Nirmala Sitharaman Urges Global Investors To ‘Manufacture In India’ For The World

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called upon global investors to set up manufacturing units, technology hubs, and innovation centers in India, positioning the nation as a strategic base for creating products and capabilities for international markets. During a business roundtable in Chicago, Sitharaman emphasized India's robust economic growth, reform initiatives, skilled workforce, and improving infrastructure as compelling factors for long-term investments.

The event, organized by India's Consulate General in Chicago in collaboration with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, centered around the theme "Manufacture in India — for India and for the world."

Sitharaman outlined India's investment potential across various sectors, including its vast domestic market, engineering prowess, manufacturing scale, and thriving technology ecosystem. She urged international firms to team up with Indian businesses to jointly develop and produce goods for global markets. The minister highlighted India's digital public infrastructure, comprising Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, ONDC, and India Stack, which has established technology platforms capable of handling a large population.

Sitharaman identified AI, analytics, engineering, product development, semiconductors, and electronics as key areas where India can develop higher-value capabilities. Additionally, she pointed to the expansion of Global Capability Centres, which are increasingly focusing on innovation rather than traditional support functions.

Infrastructure opportunities were also presented as a major investment focus, with policies like production-linked incentives accelerating the shift from basic assembly to component production, engineering, and advanced technologies. GIFT City was highlighted as an emerging international financial hub, boasting 1,250 registered entities as of June 2026 and offering prospects in banking, fund management, reinsurance, aircraft and ship leasing, and sustainable finance.

Infrastructure development, such as freight corridors, railway modernization, electrification, and high-speed rail, presents further investment avenues, necessitating technology, materials, and specialized equipment. Sitharaman also invited global investors to consider the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund as a platform for participating in India's infrastructure expansion.