Maharashtra, Hessen partnership can boost global trade: Governor

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Thursday called for stronger economic, technological and innovation partnerships between Maharashtra and the German state of Hessen, saying the Mumbai-Frankfurt connect could open new opportunities for industry, investment, research and global trade.

Speaking at the Maharashtra-Hessen Economic & Technology Dialogue organised by PartexAI at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, Varma said Maharashtra contributes around 13.5% of India's national income, 15.5% of industrial output and about 15% of exports. He noted that between 2000 and 2025, the state attracted roughly 31% of all foreign direct investment entering India.

Varma said Maharashtra's population of about 130 million is larger than many countries, and the state has a large pool of engineers and skilled professionals. He also pointed to an existing partnership with Baden-Württemberg since 2015. Hessen's Minister President Boris Rhein praised India's UPI revolution and said the 40,000-strong Indian community in Hessen contributes significantly to its economy.