10 September,2026 10:50 AM IST | London | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Pic/X
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday invited industrialists and entrepreneurs in London to consider investing in the state, citing infrastructure development, availability of skilled workers and improving connectivity.
Shinde is on a three-day official visit to London from September 9 to 11. During an interaction with industrialists and representatives from various sectors, he appealed to them to contribute to strengthening economic ties between India and the United Kingdom through investments in Maharashtra.
Speaking to ANI, Shinde said he had urged business representatives to build on the relations between India and the UK and explore opportunities in Maharashtra.
"Today, industrialists and people from various sectors participated in the programme in London. I appealed to them that the relations which our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has strengthened with the UK and several other countries must be taken forward. I also appealed to them to invest in Maharashtra," he said.
Shinde said the state government was working to attract investment by improving infrastructure and connectivity while ensuring that businesses receive support from the administration.
"Infrastructure is being developed, there is skilled manpower, and connectivity is improving. Our government is also working to provide support to the industrialists who come to Maharashtra," Shinde said.
He also credited the government's policies for attracting foreign investment to Maharashtra, referring to the state administration as a "double-engine government".
The term is commonly used by the BJP and its allies to describe a government in which the same political alliance is in power at both the state and central levels.
Shinde said several entrepreneurs who attended the programme had expressed interest in investing in Maharashtra.
"Many entrepreneurs have responded positively and have promised that they will definitely invest in Maharashtra," he said.
He did not provide details about specific investment commitments or the sectors in which the entrepreneurs were considering projects.
The Maharashtra government has been seeking to attract investment across sectors by promoting the state's industrial infrastructure, workforce and connectivity.
During the programme, Shinde also said he had met a woman who raised concerns regarding Marathi-medium schools in Belagavi, Karnataka.
"During this programme, I met a woman named Urshali Harkare, who tied a rakhi to me. She requested that attention should be given to the alleged injustice being faced by Marathi schools in Belagavi, Karnataka. I assured her that the Maharashtra government will look into the matter," Shinde said.
The concerns raised by Harkare relate to alleged difficulties faced by Marathi schools in Belagavi. Shinde said the state government would examine the matter.
Shinde also met British MP Tom Tugendhat at the UK Parliament in London during his visit.
In a post on X, Shinde said the meeting focused on strengthening relations between India and the UK and described the two countries as having significant opportunities for further cooperation.
"Delighted to meet my friend and senior British Conservative leader, MP Tom Tugendhat, at the UK Parliament in London. Our shared commitment to strengthening the enduring India-UK partnership reflects the living bridge between our two nations. India and the United Kingdom have much to achieve together, and I look forward to building on these strong ties. Grateful to MP Tom Tugendhat and our MP Milind Deora for this meaningful interaction," Shinde posted.
