Gujarat

 Gujarat, located on the western coast of India, is known for its vibrant economy, diverse industries and significant cultural heritage. The state is one of the most industrially advanced in India, with a strong presence in sectors like manufacturing, services and agriculture. Gujarat attracts substantial foreign tourist visits, with 1.78 million tourists recorded in 2022. The state is home to the Statue of Unity, a major tourist destination that has generated significant revenue, reaching Rs. 82.51 crore (US$ 9.9 million). Gujarat’s efforts to promote cinematic tourism with its first-ever Cinematic Tourism Policy (2022-2027) further enhance its tourism landscape.

In terms of economic performance, Gujarat’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2023-24 stands at Rs. 25.63 trillion (US$ 309.54 billion), reflecting a growth rate of 13.36% from the previous year. The state’s per capita GSDP was Rs. 313,512 (US$ 3,989) in 2022-23, showing a strong upward trajectory. Gujarat’s Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) was Rs. 19.46 trillion (US$ 247.63 billion) in 2022-23, with a per capita NSDP of Rs. 273,558 (US$ 3,480). Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Gujarat reached US$ 1,020 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Gujarat plays a key role in India's exports, particularly in the food processing, textiles and diamond industries. The state is a leader in processed diamond production, contributing to 72% of the world’s share and 80% of India’s processed diamonds. It also accounts for a significant portion of the country’s natural gas connections, representing 47% of India’s total.

 Maharashtra, located on India’s west coast, shares borders with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The state has introduced several initiatives to improve education, such as reducing school fees by 15% in 2021-22 and planning to recruit over 3,000 professors. It also allocated a 1% education and job quota for COVID orphans. In 2020, during Magnetic Maharashtra 2.0, the state attracted investments worth Rs. 1.13 lakh crore (US$ 15.23 billion), expected to generate over 2.5 lakh jobs.

Maharashtra is a key tourist destination in India, known for its cultural heritage, historic forts, beaches and scenic landscapes. In 2023, the state attracted 3.39 million international tourists. The government is working to revive the tourism sector post-COVID by upgrading existing spots and introducing new ones.

Maharashtra’s economy is robust, with a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 42.67 trillion (US$ 512.83 billion) in 2024-25, growing at a CAGR of 10.17%. Mumbai is India’s commercial and financial hub and the state leads in FDI inflows, attracting US$ 77.57 billion between 2019-2024. Key exports include engineering goods, pearls, jewelry and electronics. Maharashtra is also a major industrial hub, especially for IT, electronics and automobile manufacturing.