Investors Trust Madhya Pradesh for Proactive Governance, Says Mohan Yadav
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav talks about the state’s journey from being an emerging player to an industrial powerhouse. Edited excerpts
How was the 8th Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS) different from previous editions?
GIS 2025 has been a historic milestone for MP [Madhya Pradesh], securing a record-breaking Rs 30.77 lakh crore in investment commitments, far surpassing previous editions. This is a testament to the soaring investor confidence in our state.
Unlike [in] the past, when many commitments remained [only] on paper, we now have a structured follow-up mechanism to convert them into real projects. Many past summit investments are already operational, generating jobs and transforming the industrial landscape.
With increased global participation and bolder investment pledges, MP has evolved from an emerging player to a major industrial powerhouse.
How will the new policies introduced in the summit improve the investment climate?
GIS 2025 was the launchpad for 18 transformative policies, ensuring MP becomes India’s most business-friendly state. Most of these are brand new policies, while others are modernised frameworks. We have simplified regulations, fast-tracked approvals and introduced sector-specific incentives.
The new industrial development policy enhances ease of doing business, while the start-up and innovation policy fosters tech-driven entrepreneurship.
Many states are vying for investments. How will MP maintain an edge?
Our central location and logistics strength make MP a natural hub for national distribution. We have developed a 5-lakh kilometre road network, expressways, rail freight corridors and 100% railway electrification, cutting transit times and costs.
Investors trust MP for its proactive governance, single-window clearances and abundant land resources. Investors do not just get land—they get a commitment to success.
We are aggressively positioning MP as a prime destination for PLI [production-linked incentives] backed projects. Our sector-specific clusters, such as the electronics manufacturing cluster in Bhopal and the pharma city in Indore, offer ready infrastructure.
Which sectors is the state focusing on?
We are strengthening our traditional manufacturing base while pushing emerging industries. Renewable energy is a game-changer. Our Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Plant, pumped storage, Omkareshwar Floating Solar and green hydrogen projects are drawing global investments.
The electric vehicle [EV] and the battery sector are taking off with new incentives. IT, data centres and AI-driven industries are growing rapidly, especially in Indore and Bhopal. MP’s agro-processing industry is expanding.
How has MP reformed its land and labour laws?
We have made land acquisition seamless with a transparent GIS-based land bank and a fast-track allotment system. Thousands of acres of pre-cleared industrial land are readily available.
Our labour reforms balance flexibility with worker welfare, introducing self-certification regimes to cut compliance burdens and aligning vocational training with industry needs.
Can MP, leveraging its geographical position, help drive growth in eastern and central India?
Absolutely. MP is not just geographically central, but fast-becoming India’s industrial and logistics powerhouse. Our expressways and rail freight corridors connect western ports and eastern markets, making MP the preferred hub for distribution and manufacturing. We are collaborating with neighbouring states to create regional economic spillovers.
How will MP incentivise private-sector participation in R&D and technology-driven investments?
We are building a world-class innovation ecosystem. A dedicated R&D policy is in the works. We have established tech incubation units in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur.
Our start-up and innovation policy provides funding, incubation and tax breaks to tech ventures. We are fostering industry-academic partnerships and launching an MP Innovation Fund to co-invest in R&D-driven projects.
What is your government doing to ensure equitable investment distribution beyond large cities?
Equitable growth is a top priority. We launched regional investors’ conclaves across Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Shahdol and Hoshangabad showcasing local investment potential.
Our graded incentives make investing in Tier-II and Tier-III towns more attractive, offering higher capital subsidies and tax benefits.
What is your strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI)?
We are directly engaging global investors through international roadshows and strategic partnerships. Our country-specific investment desks for Japan, Germany and the US provide specialised facilitation.
Multinational corporations such as Bridgestone, John Deere and Cummins already thrive in MP, attracting more foreign investors. Our ease-of-doing-business framework, with fast-track approvals and customised incentives, ensures seamless market entry. By positioning MP as cost-effective, high quality and globally competitive, we are rapidly emerging as India’s next big FDI hub.
What role does sustainability play in MP’s investment strategy?
Sustainability is central to our growth model. MP is India’s renewable energy leader, with solar, wind and green hydrogen projects attracting Rs 1.7 lakh crore in investments in GIS 2025. We promote eco-friendly industries, offering incentives for clean energy adoption.
Our EV policy drives green mobility, while climate-resilient infrastructure and the carbon offset programmes ensure long-term environmental stability. MP is setting new benchmarks in green industrialisation, proving that economic progress and sustainability can go hand in hand.