Chicago, August 29: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on global investors and industry leaders to increase investments in India during a high-level business roundtable in Chicago on Saturday. She emphasized that as global companies reassess their supply chains and investment strategies, India offers a unique combination of market access, talent, infrastructure, technology, and ongoing reforms.
In her address, the Finance Minister highlighted India’s robust economic growth, reform-driven policies, and long-term investment opportunities. She urged global companies to view India not just as a large consumer market but as a platform for manufacturing, innovation, and the development of products and services for the global market.
Sitharaman stated that the concept of “Manufacturing in India, for India and the world” aligns with today’s global economic needs. She pointed out that there are extensive opportunities for global companies in sectors such as manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, financial services, infrastructure, food processing, defense, and advanced technology.
Discussing why India is the right choice now, she noted that the country’s greatest strengths include its vast domestic market, strong consumer demand, investment-driven growth model, economic stability, skilled workforce, and rapidly evolving digital and physical infrastructure networks.
The Finance Minister asserted that India’s investment potential is not limited to a single sector but is the result of various structural strengths developed over the past decade. This is why India is emerging as a reliable and long-term growth partner for global investors.
While mentioning the digital economy and AI, Sitharaman highlighted that India has successfully implemented digital public infrastructure platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, ONDC, and India Stack at the population level. These initiatives have revolutionized financial inclusion, digital transactions, and service delivery.
She added that the next opportunity lies in developing new businesses in high-value sectors such as AI, engineering, analytics, product development, semiconductors, and electronics. According to her, India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have evolved from mere service centers to global innovation hubs.
The Finance Minister also invited global financial institutions to take advantage of the opportunities available in the GIFT City. She noted that as of June 2026, there were 1,250 registered entities operating in the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
She explained that GIFT IFSC is rapidly emerging as an international financial hub that connects global capital with investment opportunities available in India. There are vast possibilities in banking, fund management, reinsurance, aircraft and ship leasing, sustainable finance, and other cross-border financial services.
Speaking about the manufacturing sector, Sitharaman mentioned that the restructuring of global supply chains has created a historic opportunity for India. The vast domestic market, competitive production capabilities, skilled workforce, and policy support are propelling India towards becoming a global manufacturing hub.
She urged investors to become part of India’s growth journey, stating that the country has the potential to become a major engine of global growth through economic reforms, technological innovation, and industrial expansion in the coming years.
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