The 56th Annual World Economic Forum (WEF) Meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland from January 19 to 23, 2026, brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” Heads of state, global investors, business leaders, and representatives from civil society and academia converged to discuss cooperation and innovation amid slowing global growth, geopolitical uncertainty, and mounting climate pressures.
Against this backdrop, discussions focused on investing in people, unlocking new sources of growth, and building shared prosperity within planetary boundaries. India’s presence at the World Economic Forum 2026 stood out; not merely for ambition, but for execution. With the country widely expected to become the world’s third-largest economy, conversations moved beyond whether India can grow. Instead, the emphasis shifted to how that growth can translate into higher productivity, better incomes, and long-term economic resilience.
Policymakers repeatedly highlighted the next phase of India’s economic story. This phase is anchored in structural reform, regulatory simplification, and stronger Center–State coordination. Simultaneously, increased attention was placed on healthcare, urban livability, trade resilience, and clean energy transition.
India at Davos 2026: Growth is no longer the question
India fielded one of the largest delegations at the World Economic Forum 2026. Participation was strong from both the Union Government and multiple state governments, each actively pitching investment opportunities. This confidence was echoed by global institutions. The International Monetary Fund, for instance, raised India’s growth forecast for the coming fiscal year to over 7%, positioning the country as a global growth engine even as uncertainty looms elsewhere.
At Davos, Union Ministers reinforced India’s long-term investment narrative. The messaging was anchored in policy stability, predictable regulations, and sustained engagement at both Central and State levels. Particular emphasis was placed on renewable energy and the clean energy transition.
Union Minister, New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, noted that discussions at the World Economic Forum 2026 strengthened strategic partnerships. These further reinforced global confidence in India’s ability to scale renewable energy rapidly. Importantly, this scale-up is being pursued alongside inclusive socio-economic growth. Overall, the engagements reaffirmed India’s intent to accelerate its clean energy transition through stable policies, global collaboration, and long-term capital commitments.
Meanwhile, state governments, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, actively pitched sector-specific opportunities. Together, these efforts reinforced India’s positioning as a preferred destination for climate-aligned and technology-driven capital.
Core Investment Themes at World Economic Forum 2026
Across sovereign sessions, bilateral meetings, and state-led engagements at World Economic Forum 2026, seven investment pillars emerged consistently:
- AI & digital infrastructure
- Data centers & cloud ecosystems
- Clean & renewable energy
- Manufacturing & industrial parks
- Defence & advanced manufacturing
- Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
- Logistics, ports & transport infrastructure
These themes formed the backbone of both national and state-level investment discussions.
Sovereign & Corporate Anchors at World Economic Forum 2026
India’s Clean Energy Anchor (Sovereign Signal)
One of the most consequential announcements around the World Economic Forum 2026 was India’s 300–350 US$-Billion clean energy investment requirement by 2030. With a clear target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, the vision was supported by large-scale investments. These were across sectors such as generation, storage, grid modernisation, and green hydrogen. India also highlighted its achievement of 267 GW of non-fossil installed capacity, reaching 50% non-fossil share five years ahead of its Paris Agreement target.
Adani Group’s 6 Lakh INR-Crore Blueprint
On the corporate side, Adani Group’s 6 Lakh INR-Crore domestic investment blueprint emerged as one of the clearest long-term signals at the World Economic Forum 2026. Spanning clean energy, logistics corridors, aviation, and digital infrastructure, the plan reflects a shift towards integrated, platform-based infrastructure development.
World Economic Forum 2026: State-Wise Investment Pipelines
Maharashtra: Data Centers, Urban Infrastructure & Multi-Sector Scale
Maharashtra emerged as one of the most aggressive investment destinations at the World Economic Forum 2026, positioning itself as a pan-sector hub spanning digital infrastructure, urban development, manufacturing, logistics, and clean energy. The state government reported MoU commitments worth a total 30 Lakh INR-Crore, with a strong dominance of FDI and technology-led partnerships.
Investment Scale & Investor Profile
According to official statements, the Maharashtra Government signed MoUs worth 14.5 Lakh INR-Crore on the first day of the summit alone, with overall commitments expected to generate over 40 Lakh employment opportunities. Around 83% of the agreements involve FDI, with companies from 18 countries participating across multiple sectors.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
The investment pipeline showcased a clear sectoral focus:
- Data centers and digital infrastructure
- Urban infrastructure and logistics
- Green energy and sustainable industrial assets
- Advanced manufacturing and steel
- Consumer markets and services
Key Projects & Major Announcements
- SBG (SBC) Group announced a 20 US$-Billion investment plan focused on logistics infrastructure, projected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment.
- The Maharashtra government signed a 2.73 Lakh INR-Crore MoU with Brookfield to develop:
- An integrated logistics and industrial hub at Kharbav (Bhiwandi)
- A fintech–insurtech innovation hub at Wadala
- Alto Capital Panchsheel proposed investments of 2.27 Lakh INR-Crore in integrated real estate developments across the region.
- Lodha Group committed close to 1 Lakh INR-Crore to develop a 2.5 GW green data center park in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), positioning it among India’s largest digital infrastructure clusters.
- A proposed AI-driven innovation city near Navi Mumbai aims to strengthen Maharashtra’s role in global R&D, AI development, and advanced technology ecosystems.
- An AI and Global Capability Center (GCC) in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is proposed to support advanced research, enterprise services, and multinational operations.
- NVIDIA held focused discussions with the government at WEF Davos on expanding GPU-led data centers, sovereign AI, Indian language LLMs, and a proposed office in Pune (Yerwada).
Other notable real estate commitments include K Raheja Corp’s 91,000 INR-Crore investment across mixed-use and commercial developments in MMR. Additionally, Sumitomo Realty and Raya Infrastructure Global have each proposed 72,000 INR-Crore investments in large-scale real estate projects across MMR.
In the industrial and logistics sectors, key investments include Raigad Pen Growth Centre Ltd (RPGCL) (42,315 INR-Crore), Surgarh Ispat (20,000 INR-Crore) and Beehive Forging (565 INR-Crore) for steel manufacturing expansion.
Moreover, Yogi Green Energy announced a 4,000 INR-Crore renewable energy investment in Palghar and Yoman Marine Services committed 1,050 INR-Crore towards shipbuilding and marine infrastructure in Ratnagiri. Meanwhile, Carlsberg has proposed a 500 INR-Crore investment to strengthen food and beverage processing facilities MMR.
Government & Investor Engagements
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held extensive business-to-government meetings with global firms, including Coca-Cola, Antora Energy, and others. Discussions spanned consumer goods, green steel, digital infrastructure, hospitality, and urban development. The state also highlighted its long-term ambition to develop a “Third Mumbai” as a new economic and urban growth center, which drew interest from both domestic and international investors.
Strategic Takeaway
Maharashtra’s pitch at Davos 2026 reinforced its positioning as a scale-driven investment destination, where large-format digital infrastructure, urban expansion, and industrial growth converge. For manufacturers, EPC players, and infrastructure companies, the state’s focus on data centers, logistics, and industrial capacity expansion signals sustained opportunities across the construction and allied sectors.
Uttar Pradesh: AI, Waste-to-Energy, Defence & Logistics at Scale
Uttar Pradesh used the World Economic Forum 2026 platform to position itself as a multi-sector investment destination, with a strong emphasis on AI-ready infrastructure, clean energy, defence manufacturing, and logistics-led growth. Coordinated by Invest UP, the state’s investment promotion agency, the delegation held extensive business-to-government engagements and signed multiple MoUs.
Investment Scale & Investor Profile
- Uttar Pradesh secured MoUs worth nearly 2.92 Lakh INR-Crore during the World Economic Forum 2026.
- The state held 119 high-level discussions with nearly 55 global and Indian companies, translating into 31 MoUs across priority sectors.
- Investor interest was concentrated in IT, AI infrastructure, renewable energy, defence manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
- AI & data centers
- Waste-to-energy and clean power
- Defence manufacturing
- Logistics and warehousing
- Digital infrastructure and GCCs
Key Projects & Major Announcements
- The Government of Uttar Pradesh signed an MoU worth 10,500 INR-Crore with the INOXGFL Group, covering:
- Development of 2 GW solar power generation capacity
- Establishment of a 3 GW solar module manufacturing plant.
- SAEL Industries Ltd signed an MoU worth 8,000 INR-Crore for waste-to-energy projects, converting agricultural and municipal waste into clean power.
- REC Limited announced an 8,000 INR-Crore investment to develop 500 MW agriculture waste-to-energy projects.
- REC Limited announced an 8,000 INR-Crore investment to develop 500 MW agriculture waste-to-energy projects.
- Investments in logistics and warehousing assets aim to strengthen supply chains and distribution networks across the state.
Other notable commitments include Sify Technologies’ 1,600 INR-Crore investment to establish AI-ready data centers. Additionally, an AI City proposed in Noida, with an investment of 150 INR-Crore, will focus on defence manufacturing, advanced electronics, and weapons systems integration.
Strategic Corporate Interactions
Uttar Pradesh engaged with global companies, including Louis Dreyfus Company, Uber Technologies, Automation Anywhere, PepsiCo, Google Cloud, Deloitte South Asia, Greenko, HCL Software, and Anupam Rasayan India Ltd. Moreover, Uber expressed interest in setting up a Global Capability Center (GCC) and explored opportunities in tourism, last-mile mobility, and smart transport solutions.
Strategic Takeaway
Uttar Pradesh’s Davos pitch highlights execution-ready projects in clean energy, AI infrastructure, defence, and logistics. For manufacturers, EPC players, and infrastructure firms, the state offers large-format industrial and digital opportunities backed by policy facilitation through Invest UP.
Telangana: AI-First Economy, Data Centers & Advanced Manufacturing
At WEF 2026, Telangana positioned itself as a technology- and innovation-driven economy, leveraging its strong digital backbone, startup ecosystem, and “AI-first” governance approach. The state focused on long-term partnerships rather than headline MoUs, while still securing substantial investment commitments.
Investment Scale & Employment Potential
- Telangana secured investment commitments worth nearly 30,000 INR-Crore at Davos 2026.
- The proposed projects will create around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- The state highlighted continuity from WEF 2025, where it had secured 1.78 Lakh INR-Crore in investments.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
- Artificial intelligence and data centers
- Advanced manufacturing and steel
- Life sciences and pharmaceuticals
- Clean and green energy
- Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
Key Projects & Major Announcements
- Rashmi Group signed an MoU to invest 12,500 INR-Crore in a steel manufacturing plant, with potential employment for 12,000 people.
- NUkler Products submitted an EoI for a 6,000 INR-Crore nuclear reactor project.
- L’Oréal announced an investment of 3,500 INR-Crore to establish an AI-powered Global Beauty Tech Hub in Hyderabad, scheduled for inauguration in November 2026.
Other notable commitments in Telangana include UPC Volt’s proposal to develop a 100 MW AI-ready data center in Bharat Future City. Schneider Electric India announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in the state. Additionally, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) signed an MoU focused on startup development and ecosystem building, while Sargad committed 1,000 INR-Crore over the next 3–5 years, to set up an aviation MRO facility. Blaize, a US-based AI company, also held discussions on scaling up its AI hardware R&D center in Hyderabad.
Policy & Strategic Initiatives
- Launch of a Global Life Sciences Policy
- Establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub
- Announcement of a Life Sciences Innovation Fund, scalable up to 1,000 INR-Crore
- Flagship initiatives such as Green Pharma City and Pharma Villages
Strategic Takeaway
Telangana’s proposition is built around deep-tech manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and life sciences. For technology suppliers, clean-energy firms, and advanced manufacturers, the state offers policy-led scale, skilled talent, and strong digital readiness.
Andhra Pradesh: GCCs, Hyperscale Data Centers & Industrial Logistics
Andhra Pradesh used WEF 2026 to announce a large-format infrastructure and digital investment pipeline, anchored by a strategic partnership with RMZ Corporation. The state’s focus was on GCCs, data centers, and industrial-logistics integration.
Investment Scale & Scope
- RMZ Corporation proposed investments worth nearly 10 US$-Billion over 5–6 years.
- Projects will generate nearly 1 Lakh jobs across IT, data centers, manufacturing, and logistics.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
- Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
- Hyperscale data centers
- Industrial and logistics parks
- Digital and AI-driven infrastructure
Key Projects & Major Announcements
- Industrial & Logistics Park at Tekulodu (Rayalaseema) spanning an anticipated 1,000 Acres.
- Hyperscale data center cluster near Visakhapatnam with a planned capacity of up to 1 GW, requiring 500–700 Acres.
- GCC Park at Kapuluppada Phase-1 IT Park, Visakhapatnam, spanning nearly 50 Acres with up to 10 Million-SqFt of built-up area.
Strategic Takeaway
Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a next-generation GCC and data center destination, backed by large land parcels and integrated infrastructure. The scale of proposed developments signals sustained demand for construction, MEP, power, and industrial solutions.
Kerala: GCCs, Renewable Energy & Human-Centric Sectors
Kerala secured investment commitments worth 14 US$-Billion (1.18 Lakh INR-Crore) at the World Economic Forum 2026, spanning both infrastructure and human-centric sectors.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
- Renewable energy
- Global Capability Centers
- Skill development
- Tourism, medical services, and wellness
- Infrastructure development
Key Projects & Major Announcements
- Greenco Group proposed an investment of 10,000 INR-Crore in green energy and decarbonisation-linked infrastructure.
- INOXGFL Group announced a combined investment of 6,500 INR-Crore across Assam and Kerala, with Kerala’s share focused on clean energy and industrial development initiatives.
- Ramky Infrastructure committed 6,000 INR-Crore for eco-town development and integrated industrial parks.
- ACME Group announced a 5,000 INR-Crore investment towards the development of battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Additionally, Export Oriented Units (EOUs) announced plans to establish two Global Capability Center (GCC) cities in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. These are poised to attract multinational firms and position Kerala as a hub for global operations, IT services, and back-office functions. Meanwhile, Sify Technologies proposed setting up a data center. In the Biofuel manufacturing projects, Baidyanath Biofuels, Link Energy, and Zain West Caps Advisory proposed investments. Delta Energy announced investments in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
Strategic Takeaway
Kerala’s pitch combines knowledge-driven sectors with infrastructure development, making it attractive for GCC operators, clean energy developers, and service-oriented manufacturers.
Gujarat: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy & Industrial Depth
At Davos 2026, Gujarat reinforced its image as a stable, industrially mature investment destination, highlighting its readiness for next-generation industries and advanced manufacturing.
Engagement Highlights
- Gujarat delegation held 58 meetings with global CEOs, investors, and multilateral organisations.
- Focused on long-term industrial partnerships rather than immediate MoU volumes.
- Engagements included companies such as AP Moller Maersk, Engie, EDF, Johnson Controls, Sumitomo Group, Linde, SEALSQ, Tillman Global, among others.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
- Advanced manufacturing
- Semiconductors and electronics
- Renewable energy
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Shipping, logistics, and aerospace
Strategic Takeaway
Gujarat’s strength lies in its industrial depth, policy stability, and export-oriented manufacturing ecosystem, making it a natural destination for large-scale industrial and clean-energy investments.
Assam: First-Time Presence, Clean Energy & Electronics
Making its first-ever appearance at the World Economic Forum, Assam secured early-stage investment commitments and positioned itself as an emerging destination for energy-linked and electronics manufacturing projects.
Investment Highlights
- Assam secured investment commitments worth a total estimated 1 Lakh INR-Crore.
- Focus areas included solar storage, green energy, hydrocarbons, semiconductors, and electronics.
Core Sectors Driving Investment
- Data centers and digital infrastructure
- Urban infrastructure and logistics
- Green energy and sustainable industrial assets
- Advanced manufacturing and steel
- Consumer markets and services
Strategic Takeaway
For manufacturers and energy players, Assam represents a frontier market with early-mover advantages, particularly in clean energy and electronics linked to natural gas availability.
Conclusion
The World Economic Forum, WEF 2026, reinforced that India’s growth story is no longer about potential; it is about scale, execution and investments. With clearly articulated capital requirements, stable policy frameworks and coordinated Center–State participation, India presented itself as a long-term platform for global capital across clean energy, digital infrastructure and manufacturing. As sovereign priorities, corporate capex plans and state-level pipelines begin to align, the World Economic Forum increasingly reflects not just intent, but the architecture of India’s next investment cycle.
Disclaimer: For more details or specific queries regarding these investments, please contact research@biltrax.com.
For media inquiries, please contact editor@biltrax.com.
Also Read:
India’s Economic Growth at the World Economic Forum 2025
Types of Construction Materials Used in India: A Practical Guide
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