New Delhi, Aug 29: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted India’s growing potential as a global destination for investment and manufacturing, pointing to the country’s large market, skilled workforce, improving infrastructure and ongoing economic reforms.
Speaking at a business roundtable in Chicago on Saturday, Sitharaman invited global investors and companies to look at India not only as a major consumer market but also as a base for manufacturing, innovation and developing products for international markets.
She highlighted opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital technology, financial services, infrastructure, food processing, defence and advanced technologies.
The Finance Minister said India’s strong domestic demand, investment-led growth and expanding infrastructure are creating a favourable environment for businesses looking at long-term opportunities.
Sitharaman also highlighted India’s digital infrastructure, including Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, ONDC and India Stack. These platforms, she said, demonstrate the country’s ability to build and operate technology solutions at a very large scale.
She pointed to growing opportunities in artificial intelligence, engineering, analytics, semiconductors, electronics and product development. India’s Global Capability Centres are also increasingly taking on higher-value activities, including innovation and technology development.
The Finance Minister also invited global financial institutions to explore opportunities at GIFT City. She noted that the GIFT International Financial Services Centre had 1,250 registered entities as of June 2026 and is developing as a platform connecting international capital with Indian opportunities.
GIFT IFSC offers opportunities across areas such as banking, fund management, reinsurance, aircraft and ship leasing and sustainable finance.
On manufacturing, Sitharaman said the ongoing changes in global supply chains could provide India with an opportunity to attract more investment and strengthen its role in global production.
She said India’s investment appeal comes from the combination of its market size, talent, technology, infrastructure and continued reforms.
The Finance Minister’s message comes as companies worldwide reassess their supply chains and investment strategies. India is seeking to position itself as a competitive destination where businesses can invest, manufacture, innovate and serve both Indian and global markets.