World sees India through Bengaluru: DK Shivakumar at Davos

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar positioned the state as India's foremost investment destination during his address at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos on Wednesday. Speaking to PTI, he emphasized how global perception of India is fundamentally shaped by Bengaluru's success story.

Global Leaders View India Through Bengaluru

During his first visit to Davos, Shivakumar revealed insights from his interactions with international leaders. "This is what they say. And I am telling them the importance of Karnataka and that it is a great state to work," he stated, referring to how global leaders consistently associate India with Bengaluru. The Deputy CM, who was originally scheduled to attend last year but couldn't make it, utilized this opportunity to showcase Karnataka's comprehensive investment landscape.

Key Investment Sectors Attracting Global Interest

Shivakumar outlined several high-priority sectors that have captured international investor attention:

The Deputy CM particularly emphasized global investor interest in Karnataka's mobility initiatives and development work in tier-two and tier-three cities, indicating expanding opportunities beyond traditional metropolitan centers.

Infrastructure Development and Bengaluru's Advantages

"In Bangalore, we are investing a lot of funds on metro, on flyovers, passes, tunnels, a lot of things," Shivakumar detailed, highlighting the state's commitment to infrastructure enhancement. He identified several factors that make Bengaluru attractive to international businesses:

• Safety and Security: Strong safety record for businesses and residents
• Environmental Quality: Minimal pollution concerns
• Climate Advantages: Favorable weather conditions year-round
• Cultural Environment: Conducive business culture

These infrastructure investments and natural advantages position Bengaluru as a preferred destination for global operations and expansion plans.

International Engagement and Economic Strength

The Deputy CM's Davos agenda included meetings with foreign government leaders from the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating Karnataka's broad international appeal. He emphasized the state's robust economic contribution, noting that "Karnataka's economy is very strong compared to other parts of the country, and it gives more taxes than many states."

Shivakumar revealed a significant fiscal detail: "Centre gets 43 per cent of taxes from Karnataka, but we receive only 30 per cent, but that is a different story." This statement underscores Karnataka's substantial contribution to India's national revenue while highlighting ongoing federal fiscal discussions.

Strategic Positioning for Future Growth

"We are Karnataka, and as I said, India is seen through Bangalore and Karnataka," Shivakumar concluded, reinforcing the state's strategic importance in India's global economic narrative. His Davos participation represents Karnataka's proactive approach to international investment attraction and relationship building with global economic leaders.

The Deputy CM's emphasis on diverse sector opportunities, from traditional technology strengths to emerging areas like artificial intelligence and semiconductors, positions Karnataka as a comprehensive investment destination capable of meeting varied international business requirements.