MUMBAI, 26 June 2025: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah emphasized India’s ongoing economic transformation during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) in Mumbai.
He also addressed a state-level cooperative industrial conference attended by key dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol.
Speaking at the event, Shah paid tribute to Seth Walchand Hirachand, calling him a visionary industrialist whose contributions laid the foundation for lasting national progress. He highlighted that institutions like MACCIA, which are celebrating a century of existence, must not only cherish their legacy but also introspect and adapt to the changing global economy.
“India has witnessed transformative changes in industry, commerce, and agriculture. Our economy is now globally integrated, and our policy-making reflects that,” Shah said.
He added that India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world, having surpassed the GDP of countries that once ruled over it. Shah credited this rise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that Maharashtra continues to lead the country across multiple fronts—FDI inflows, startup growth, industrial expansion, and tourism.
MACCIA: A Symbol of Economic Resilience
Hailing MACCIA’s proactive role in raising issues of industry, trade, and agriculture, Shah urged industry chambers across India to engage professional institutions to review and modernize their operational frameworks.
“Our traditions must evolve with our ambitions. Chambers of commerce need to realign their goals with the needs of a modern, aspirational India,” he asserted.
Maharashtra’s Economic Prowess
Shah detailed Maharashtra’s outsized role in India’s development:
- INR 7 lakh crore worth of infrastructure projects underway in Mumbai and surrounding areas.
- 39% of India’s total FDI flows to Maharashtra.
- 25% of Indian startups are based in the state.
- Home to India’s largest upcoming port at Vadhavan.
- Top state for income tax returns filed by women.
- Leading the way on the bullet train project.
He noted that under PM Modi’s governance, financial support to Maharashtra has quadrupled, rising from INR 1.91 lakh crore (2004–2014) to INR 7.82 lakh crore (2014–2024).
Call for “Team India”
Shah emphasized PM Modi’s vision of “Team India,” underscoring that real development is only possible through a collaborative approach between the Centre and the states.
“The Modi government not only makes policies but ensures their effective implementation. This spirit of cooperation is why the country is moving forward rapidly,” he concluded.
