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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>CM Presents Vision of a Developed Maharashtra at the US-India Business Council Event</strong></p>
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<p>Mumbai – Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has positioned Maharashtra as the leader in <strong>data centers, startups, innovation, and investments</strong>. The state has become the preferred destination for investors in <strong>technology, IT, and fintech</strong>. Maharashtra is developing an <strong>Innovation City in Navi Mumbai</strong>, while <strong>Vasai, Virar, and Palghar</strong> are being transformed into <strong>the fourth Mumbai</strong>, said Chief Minister <strong>Devendra Fadnavis</strong>.</p>
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<p>The CM was speaking at a special conference organized at the <strong>Taj Palace Hotel, Mumbai</strong>, to mark the <strong>50th anniversary of the US-India Business Council (USIBC)</strong>. The event was attended by <strong>USIBC President Ambassador Atul Keshap, US Consul General Mike Hankey, and US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark</strong>, among other dignitaries.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Maharashtra: India’s Leading Investment Destination</strong></h3>
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<p>CM Fadnavis highlighted <strong>USIBC's vital role</strong> in fostering economic cooperation between India and the US. He emphasized that India is the <strong>third-largest investment destination globally</strong>, with entrepreneurs from both nations eager to expand investments.</p>
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<p>Maharashtra holds <strong>the top position in India</strong> in attracting <strong>foreign direct investment (FDI)</strong> and has consistently broken its own records. The state is now recognized as <strong>India’s startup capital</strong>, leading in <strong>both startup investments and new enterprises</strong>, according to a recent report.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Transforming Maharashtra Through Infrastructure and Innovation</strong></h3>
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<p>CM Fadnavis emphasized Maharashtra's appeal as a <strong>business and innovation hub</strong>. With the <strong>Atal Setu Bridge</strong> and <strong>Navi Mumbai International Airport</strong>, the region is undergoing rapid transformation. The state is also building <strong>innovation-driven cities</strong> with a focus on <strong>education and research</strong>, attracting <strong>five globally top-ranked universities</strong>, including <strong>three from the US</strong>, turning <strong>Navi Mumbai into an “Edu-City”</strong>.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Green Energy for Data Centers</strong></h3>
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<p>Maharashtra hosts <strong>65% of India's data centers</strong>, making it the <strong>data center capital of the country</strong>. The state plans to power these facilities with <strong>green energy by 2023</strong>. Additionally, <strong>India’s largest port</strong> is being developed in <strong>Palghar</strong>, three times the size of <strong>JNPT</strong>, and will be linked to <strong>bullet trains and multimodal corridors</strong>. Mumbai's <strong>third international airport</strong> is also under development, further strengthening Maharashtra’s infrastructure and investment potential.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Gadchiroli: From Maoist-Affected Region to Steel Hub</strong></h3>
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<p>CM Fadnavis noted that <strong>Gadchiroli, once known for Maoist activity, is now emerging as India's steel hub</strong>, with an investment of <strong>₹2 lakh crore in the steel sector</strong>. Meanwhile, <strong>Pune remains a major manufacturing center</strong>, and <strong>Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar</strong> is evolving into <strong>the electric vehicle capital of India</strong>, thanks to the <strong>Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor</strong>.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>US Investors Invited to WAVES 2025</strong></h3>
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<p>Maharashtra has been chosen to host the <strong>global entertainment summit “WAVES 2025” (Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit)</strong> in Mumbai. CM Fadnavis invited <strong>US entrepreneurs and investors</strong> to participate, calling it a golden opportunity to showcase <strong>India’s entertainment industry, creativity, and talent</strong> to the world.</p>
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<p>Earlier, <strong>USIBC President Ambassador Atul Keshap, US Consul General Mike Hankey, and US Chamber of Commerce CEO Suzanne Clark</strong> welcomed CM Fadnavis to the event.</p>
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