The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government signed 97 memoranda of understanding, involving more than ₹67,542 crore in investment, at its first major investment conclave, ‘Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026’, on Thursday. The MoUs were exchanged in the presence of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

“With today’s announcements, cumulative investment commitments in the first 100 days of our government will cross ₹1 lakh crore, capable of generating more than 1.2 lakh jobs. On an average, this is a ₹1,000-crore committed capital for every single day we have been in office,” Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce S. Keerthana said in her address, broadcast live through a YouTube feed from the venue.

“All these projects are expected to be grounded within six months to one year,” Industries Secretary S. Vijayakumar told The Hindu.

“Around 25 companies are coming to Tamil Nadu for the first time. This shows they continue to see the State as an attractive investment destination. At the same time, the expansion plans of the existing players demonstrate policy continuity and confidence in Tamil Nadu,” said Deepak Jacob, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guidance Tamil Nadu, the nodal agency for investment promotion. “The conclave also marks a new chapter in Tamil Nadu-Russia economic cooperation through an MoU with Sberbank, focused on skilling and technology transfer,” he added.

One of the highlights of the conclave is that Ramanathapuram has secured its first major investment from the Phoenix Kothari Footwear Limited. This is a ₹1,000-crore project that could boost the economy of the district and the condition of women. “The Chief Minister wanted us to invest in some backward district, and that’s how we shortlisted this location. We will set up a footwear park where we will bring in allied component makers. Most components come from Vietnam. We want to make all of them in India. We are bringing in a big brand to Ramanathapuram,” said Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed, executive chairman, Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited.

The 111-year-old Hinduja Group will invest ₹2,500 crore in renewable energy, electric mobility, automotive, financial services, energy, battery-charging infrastructure, and digital mobility solutions. A key component of the commitment will be the development of a 200-MW renewable energy project by Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited (HREPL), spanning solar, wind, and battery technologies. Ashok Hinduja, chairman, Hinduja Group of Companies (India), said, “With its strong industrial base, talent and renewable energy potential, Tamil Nadu is well positioned to lead India’s energy and mobility transition.”

The majority of investments have gone to the Kancheepuram region (20 projects), followed by Chennai (14), Tiruvallur (13), and Thoothukudi (10). Six deals came from South Korea, four from Germany, three from Singapore, two each from Australia, Japan, and France. Investments also came from companies in Sweden, Taiwan, and Denmark.

Titan will invest ₹1,000 crore in Hosur to expand the facilities for making premium watches, jewellery, and automation equipment for its electronics business. The proposal will help to create 1,200 jobs. Lucas TVS, a home-grown automotive and EV components major, will invest ₹2,500 crore across multiple facilities.

France’s Saint-Gobain will invest ₹2,000 crore in a new greenfield plant in Krishnagiri and the expansion of its plant in Kancheepuram. While Japan’s YKK, the world’s largest manufacturer of zippers and fastening products, will invest ₹1,651 crore in Tiruvallur, the U.S.-based Super Micro Computer, ranked No. 292 on Fortune 500, will start server assembly operations in Chennai.

Two major players in the space sector have also inked deals. The Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos will invest ₹400 crore for the launch of assembly and integration operations for its reusable, liquid-propelled launch vehicles. Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace will invest ₹250 crore for the establishment of storage, assembly, integration and testing facilities. These investments are headed to Thoothukudi.

Ultraviolette Automotive Private Limited is entering Tamil Nadu to set up its first full-fledged scooter manufacturing facility at an investment of ₹779 crore. Eight companies signed MoUs in the life sciences sector. Caplin Group of Companies will invest ₹925 crore.

“Our Chief Minister has given us an ambitious target: a $1.5-trillion economy by 2036. It is a big number, but its impact is even larger. For a young graduate, growth means a better job. For a woman, it can mean economic independence. For an entrepreneur, it means the confidence to take a risk. For a family, it means upward mobility. And for a district like Ramanathapuram, which is receiving its first industrial investment today, it means that a young person will not have to leave home to find a job. That is what economic growth looks like when you zoom in,” Ms. Keerthana said.

Published – August 13, 2026 12:35 pm IST