Modi stuns investors in key Indian stock markets

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where he served as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2014.

Key guests include UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, East Timor President Jose Ramos-Orta, Mozambique President Philippe Nyusi, and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Hundreds of local and foreign companies will attend the event as the Modi government plans major investments ahead of a third term later this year. The Gujarat Global Summit, which will be held from January 10 to 12, is expected to attract 100,000 visitors, including business leaders, CEOs, ministers, and diplomats from 133 countries around the world. In addition to attracting major global companies such as Microsoft, Nasdaq, Google, Suzuki, and Toyota, the event will also showcase companies led by India's two richest men, Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani.

As New Delhi and Moscow explore ways to increase maritime trade through Arctic sea routes, Russia is expected to attend the event with a large delegation, including government officials and companies from the Far Eastern Federal District. Modi is trying to attract investors in industries such as chip manufacturing and electric vehicles (EVs), Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Mukesh Agi, president of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum trade group that is hosting the summit, said US companies are counting on the Modi government to regain power and focus on India rather than the "China threat".

Elon Musk's Tesla is also expected to appear in the country soon after the government proposes tax cuts to make it easier for electric vehicle makers to enter the market. Apple has also ramped up iPhone production in India since it began local production in the country in 2017 and is looking to expand further. From 2019 to 2023, Gujarat attracted about $34 billion in foreign investment, the third-highest among Indian states, according to Reuters. Only Maharashtra, home to financial capital Mumbai, and Karnataka, capital Bengaluru, which is considered India's Silicon Valley, have attracted more investment. Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for over a decade, is largely associated with the introduction of the "Gujarat Model of Development", which is characterized by a proactive approach to attracting large investors to Gujarat.

Moscow is also considering a major investment in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), which the Indian government is promoting as Asia's newest financial hub. The Economic Times reported that at least three Russian companies have applied for licenses for GIFT City in 2023.

Last month, Russia's ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, visited the Gujarat capital and discussed "strengthening cooperation" with the Gujarat governor. S&P Global Ratings predicted last year that India's GDP will surpass Germany's GDP within 10 years. The South Asian country is also forecast to become the fastest-growing market in the next three years, with economic growth of 6.4% next year and 7% in 2026.

Last week, Statistics India released its first preliminary estimates of the country's economic growth this year. The report predicts GDP growth of 7.3%, which is higher than the last forecast of 7% shared by the central bank.