Right time to Invest in India, says Vice President

Visakhapatnam: The 30th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2025 began amid much fanfare at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds here on Friday.

Inaugurating the two-day summit Vice President CP Radhakrshnan said this Is the right time to Invest in India. He also highlighted that India now stands as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem and is poised to become a leading exporter of clean technology, reinforcing the nation's commitment to environmentally sustainable development.

He said Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a national model for industrial growth. He praised the Government of Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, for creating one of the most conducive business environments in the country. He said the Chief Minister's efforts in fostering innovation, infrastructure development, and a business-friendly ecosystem have positioned Andhra Pradesh as a national model for industrial growth. The Vice-President also said Visakhapatnam is poised to become an investment paradise.

Speaking at the inaugural session Chandrababu Naidu said the State aims to position itself as a preferred destination for future technologies, logistics, tourism and mineral-based industries. Stating that Andhra Pradesh plans to introduce drone taxi services in two years, he said the Centre's drone innovation policies are helping such advancements. The Chief Minister outlined vast opportunities across ports, airports, transportation networks and rare earth mineral processing.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said Visakhapatnam is emerging as a vital gateway for global trade. He highlighted India's expanding semiconductor ecosystem, which has attracted around USD 30 billion in investments, and reaffirmed the country's 500 GW renewable energy ambition. Goyal said India's digital public infrastructure is being globally recognised and said foreign investment continues to flow into the country despite global economic volatility. He added that free trade agreements and GST reforms are helping streamline business operations.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh S. Abdul Nazeer; Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and other dignitaries were present at the summit.

The two-day summit has attracted nearly 2,500 delegates from 77 countries. Officials stated that more than 45 sessions have been lined up, focusing on trade, industrialisation, technology, sustainability, climate action, geo-economics and inclusion. Day One alone features around 25 thematic sessions, with four discussions taking place simultaneously across the venue.