Amazon’s CSR Fund to Support Maharashtra’s Progress – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Foundation Stone of ‘Amazon Web Services Data Center’ Laid via Video Conferencing

Mumbai, Sept 2025 : Maharashtra remains the prime destination for investors in the country. At the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, Maharashtra attracted the highest volume of investments. During this summit, Amazon signed an MoU to make major investments in the state’s cloud infrastructure sector. Acting on that agreement, Amazon has begun investing. Going forward, Amazon’s continued investment will play an important role in Maharashtra’s progress, and the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives will also contribute to the state’s development, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

At the Varsha residence, Chief Minister Fadnavis laid the foundation stone for Amazon Web Services’ data center in Mumbai through video conferencing. Through this initiative, Amazon Web Services has launched the first phase of its $8.3 billion investment in the state. Present on the occasion were the CM’s investment advisor Kaustubh Dhavse, AWS (Public Policy) Global Vice President Michael Punke, AWS South Asia & India President Sandeep Datta, AWS Asia Pacific Director Vikram Sridharan, AWS India Infrastructure Director Aditya Choudhary, along with Gayatri Prabhu, Shubhankar Das, and Reena Maranda.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Fadnavis said the state government is working on various initiatives to make it easy and convenient for entrepreneurs to set up industries in Maharashtra. The government is reducing approval timelines for industrial permissions and simplifying processes through the Ease of Doing Business War Room, which ensures fast-track action. Additionally, a system is being created to provide entrepreneurs with real-time information about the status of their proposals.

On behalf of Amazon, CM Fadnavis was also invited to visit the company’s headquarters in Seattle, USA. A presentation was given on CSR initiatives being implemented in Maharashtra in sectors such as power supply, water supply, education, and skill development.

On the same occasion, CM Fadnavis flagged off India’s first “Think Big Mobile Van” under Amazon’s Mobile STEM Lab initiative. This van, launched in Mumbai, will use modern technology to educate students through research, innovation, and new ideas.