Six Indian States to Share Pavilion at Davos for First Time, Breaking Rivalry Culture
In a significant shift, six Indian state delegations will share space in a single pavilion at the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos next week, marking a break from the traditional fierce rivalry between states.
This year's event marks a change of pace as compared to recent years where individual states would set up their own pavilions along the promenade, competing for space and prominence. However, this time around, six Indian state delegations have come together to present India as one union of states, showcasing that regardless of which state receives investments, it ultimately benefits the country.
The decision to share a single pavilion was reportedly driven by the Dakar city council, which has now mandated that all states belonging to a country will share one space. The council aimed to create a more cohesive and unified presence for each nation at the WEF.
Despite some initial hesitation, several states have agreed to participate in this year's event, including BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, as well as opposition-ruled Karnataka, which has opted not to send a delegation due to concerns over competition among state delegations.
Andhra Pradesh is expected to make up for the lack of space by occupying additional space at the Belvedere Hotel. This year's event will also feature two India pavilions: one occupied by the Union Government delegation and another shared by the six participating states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
The trend of competition among Indian states to attract investments has intensified in recent years, with state governments vying for global attention through their respective pavilions. However, this year's cooperative approach has been well-received by representatives from the six participating states.
Other notable attendees at Davos 2025 include several Chief Ministers and other leaders from India, as well as US President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to appear virtually at the event on January 23rd.