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Criticism Mounts as Indian States Sign MoUs at Davos

As the World Economic Forum kicks off in Davos, Indian states are facing criticism for signing memoranda of understanding with domestic companies. Social media users are questioning the necessity of such trips, arguing that these agreements could have been made in India, thus saving taxpayer money. Prominent figures like Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka's Commerce Minister MB Patil are involved in discussions with major Indian firms. The backlash highlights concerns over the use of public funds for what many perceive as unnecessary travel. This ongoing debate raises important questions about government spending and accountability.
By Narendra Chaudhary | Jan 20, 2026, 15:28 IST
Criticism Mounts as Indian States Sign MoUs at Davos

Indian States Face Backlash at World Economic Forum


The World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos commenced on Monday, with various Indian states announcing the signing of memoranda of understanding with domestic companies. This move sparked significant criticism on social media.


Users questioned the rationale behind Indian chief ministers utilizing taxpayer funds to travel to Switzerland for meetings and agreements with Indian firms.


Approximately 3,000 delegates from global businesses and governments are participating in the event.


On Tuesday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed that the state had signed MoUs with several Indian companies, including Lodha Developers, Surajgad Ispat, and K Raheja Corp.


Notably, Abhishek Lodha, managing director of Lodha Group, is the son of Mangal Prabhat Lodha, a minister in Maharashtra's government.


Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad from Mumbai expressed her discontent, suggesting that such deals could have been finalized at a state guesthouse in Mumbai.


“As in previous years, a large entourage has accompanied the CM to Davos merely to sign MoUs with predominantly Indian firms,” Gaikwad stated on X. “Last year, similar agreements were made with Hiranandani and Raheja group, both based in Mumbai. Why is taxpayer money being squandered in this manner?”



Karnataka's Commerce Minister MB Patil announced meetings with Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and Tata Electronics officials. He also mentioned discussions with the chairperson of UPL, an agrochemicals firm, regarding expanding its operations in Karnataka.



The Madhya Pradesh government also held discussions with representatives from Indian media company JioStar.



Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana’s Revanth Reddy are also present in Davos to attract investments to their states.


Naidu mentioned a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma in Zurich.



Numerous social media users expressed that meetings with Indian companies could have easily taken place in India.


Journalist Swati Chaturvedi questioned if Mumbai's notorious traffic congestion prompted Fadnavis to travel to Davos to sign an MoU with a Mumbai-based builder.



Other users echoed similar sentiments.





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