External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted Odisha’s significant economic potential and its role in driving India’s global growth at the Joint Business Session, held alongside the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, emphasizing the state’s potential to contribute to India’s rising global influence.
In his discourse, Jaishankar cited to the concept of a “double engine” driving development, positioning Odisha as a key player in the nation’s progress. He voiced the significance of India’s diaspora, calling it a “living bridge” that links India to the world.
He further said, “India will be unique in terms of a major power rising, which has actually been used, is using, and will continue to utilise its diaspora as a very pivotal pathway of its globalisation and for its rise in the international order.”
Jaishankar emphasised the three pillars of economic growth that he termed the “3 Ts”: Trade, Technology, and Tourism, and insisted Odisha utilise its resources, talent, and strategic location for future development.
The first of the 3Ts, Trade, was underscored as a critical sector. He stressed that Odisha is rich in resources but that these need investments, infrastructure, and connectivity to unlock their full potential.
“Resources need investments resources need facilities; resources need connectivity,” he remarked, pointing out the importance of adding value to raw materials and utilising Odisha’s prime location along India’s eastern ocean to strengthen trade relations, especially with Southeast Asia.
On the topic of technology, Jaishankar praised Odisha’s growing young population and its strong educational system as assets in developing a tech-driven economy. In the digital era, he mentioned the importance of trust in technology and its relation to skilled talent.
“Technology is increasingly associated with trusted talent,” he said, calling for Odisha to enhance its local talent pool to foster collaborations in the tech sector. Tourism, the third “T,” was elaborated as a transformative sector that can drive employment creation and inclusive development in Odisha.
Jaishankar acknowledged the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage and suggested that investment in tourism is a means to promote sustainable economic development.
“Tourism is the biggest job creator and multiplier in the world,” he said, highlighting that investments in tourism not only contribute to the economy but also create long-term development possibilities for local communities.
Jaishankar also mentioned the Modi Government’s determination to the “Purvodaya” initiative, which focuses on the revitalisation of Eastern India, with Odisha serving as an epicenter.
He emphasised that the government is committed to making practical decisions that will enable this renaissance, ensuring that Odisha’s growth is supported by both policy and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, Jaishankar mentioned factors that influence business investment decisions, including ease of doing business, political stability, and infrastructure. He emphasised that leadership plays a crucial role in inspiring investor confidence.
“Today you have Team Odisha’s leadership in front of you. I am confident that it inspires as much confidence in you as it does in me,” he said, concluding with a strong message of positivism for the state’s future.