In today's rapidly changing business scenario, there is intense competition between States/ Union Territories (UTs) for attracting investments into their respective economies. Investors generally choose the State/UT that offers best combination of industrial and social infrastructure; technology savvy work force; and presence of business-friendly environment. Accordingly, several policy initiatives and measures are being undertaken by the Governments of various States/ UTs.

Over the past few years, more and more Indian States/ UTs are roping in their own NRIs and other Overseas Indians. They are taking continuous steps to encourage NRIs to unleash the existing potentialities of thrust areas in the respective economies as well as to make greater investments accordingly. Overseas Indians are being considered as an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the States/ UTs. The prominent sectors holding huge investment opportunities include: agro-based industries, drugs and pharmaceuticals, IT and ITES, leather products, chemicals, automobiles, electricals, infrastructure, etc.

There are Department of Industries and/or Industrial Development Corporation in each State/ UT to provide attractive investment avenues for industrial development. They undertake several activities for promotion of investment by overseas Indians. Within these departments, there are separate NRI cell or related agencies, like, that of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, etc. While, some of other States/ UTs have facilitation centres for NRIs such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, etc.

Besides, within the existing as well as upcoming industrial policies and Acts of the States/UTs, there are special provisions for facilitating and encouraging investments by NRIs and other overseas Indians, along with industrial development in the State/UT.

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