Uttar Pradesh is aggressively expanding its international footprint through targeted, sector-specific partnerships with leading global economies. Recent high-level engagements, including a landmark USD 25 billion MoU at Davos 2026 and deepened collaboration with Japan on green hydrogen, underscore the state’s strategic focus on clean energy, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and skilling. These direct bilateral ties are driving sustainable economic growth, attracting high-quality investments, and positioning Uttar Pradesh as a forward-looking hub for global enterprises seeking scale, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Uttar Pradesh Accelerates Global Engagement Amid Rising Investment Momentum
Uttar Pradesh has transformed its economic diplomacy by prioritizing direct partnerships with key international players, moving beyond traditional investment summits to forge actionable, sector-led collaborations. The state’s approach aligns international cooperation with core development goals, including energy transition, technological advancement, and resilient urban growth. This strategy has gained significant traction in recent months, with multiple high-profile meetings and agreements reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a preferred destination for global capital.
At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Uttar Pradesh secured a transformative USD 25 billion MoU with AM Green for the development of a 1-gigawatt AI hyperscale data center. This agreement positions the state as a critical node in global digital infrastructure, leveraging renewable energy sources to power advanced computing capabilities. The project emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient design and integration with clean power grids, reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to responsible digital expansion.
Complementing this, several targeted MoUs signed during the event further strengthened key sectors:
SAEL Industries Ltd committed ₹8,000 crore to establish 500 MW of agriculture waste-to-energy plants across 16 paddy-producing districts. The initiative includes 20 biomass power plants, each with 25 MW capacity, converting paddy straw and agricultural residue into electricity while addressing stubble burning and air quality concerns.
Sify Technologies, a NASDAQ-listed firm, pledged ₹1,600 crore for an AI-ready, renewable-energy-powered data center in Noida. Featuring advanced air-cooling technology to minimize water usage, the facility will support an emerging “AI City” ecosystem. Plans include potential collaborations with global tech leaders such as Google and Meta, Starlink connectivity integration, and AI applications in agri-tech, healthcare, education, women’s health, and law enforcement.
Yeoman allocated ₹150 crore toward weapons systems integration and defence manufacturing, advancing indigenous capabilities, technology transfer, and skilled job creation.
These agreements, coordinated by Invest UP, highlight the state’s focused facilitation framework and its ability to translate international interest into concrete outcomes.
Deepening Ties with Japan Through Green Hydrogen and Innovation
One of the most significant recent developments is the ongoing partnership with Japan, particularly Yamanashi Prefecture. A high-level Japanese delegation led by Vice Governor Junichi Ishidera met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow to review progress under the 2024 MoU between the Uttar Pradesh government and Yamanashi. Discussions centered on clean energy, green hydrogen production, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.
The collaboration builds on Uttar Pradesh’s Green Hydrogen Policy 2024, with the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) serving as the nodal body. Key highlights include the establishment of two Centres of Excellence for green hydrogen research, innovation, and skill development. A dedicated green hydrogen project in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority region is advancing steadily, with Japanese representatives expressing satisfaction with implementation and interest in expanding cooperation.
This partnership aligns with broader India-Japan cooperation on sustainable industrial technologies. Uttar Pradesh’s green hydrogen roadmap targets large-scale production and utilization, positioning the state as a leader in India’s energy transition. Recent visits by Japanese teams to potential project sites have further solidified mutual interest in joint ventures that combine Japanese expertise in advanced energy systems with Uttar Pradesh’s abundant resources and market scale.
Strategic Partnerships Across Europe and Asia
Uttar Pradesh has pursued a diversified outreach strategy, engaging multiple countries in sector-specific collaborations:
The United Kingdom focuses on education, workforce skilling, urban services, and heritage tourism, leveraging shared priorities in human capital development and cultural preservation.
Germany emphasizes manufacturing excellence, skill enhancement, and industrial standards, supporting Uttar Pradesh’s ambition to build high-precision industries.
The Netherlands provides expertise in water management and urban resilience, critical for addressing climate challenges and sustainable city planning.
South Korea targets electronics and advanced manufacturing hubs, building on Uttar Pradesh’s position as India’s largest exporter of consumer electronics.
These engagements are supported by country-specific desks established for Singapore, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Taiwan, the UAE, and South Korea. The desks facilitate targeted outreach, streamline investor interactions, and accelerate project approvals.
Sectoral Focus Driving Sustainable Growth
Uttar Pradesh’s international partnerships are concentrated in high-impact sectors that balance economic expansion with environmental responsibility.
In clean energy, the state has installed 2,632 MW of solar capacity, with an additional 2,000 MW under the PM KUSUM scheme. Renewable energy potential stands at 23 GW for solar alone, bolstered by policies promoting green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, and pumped storage projects.
Digital infrastructure and AI are emerging as major growth engines. The Global Capability Centers Policy 2024, combined with dedicated IT cities and AI ecosystems, attracts global tech firms seeking scalable, cost-effective operations.
Advanced manufacturing and defence benefit from the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, where production reached ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024-25. International collaborations enhance technology transfer and indigenous capabilities.
Investment Trends and Economic Impact
Uttar Pradesh has seen a dramatic rise in foreign direct investment inflows, reflecting the effectiveness of its global outreach. The state ranks among India’s top destinations for FDI proposals, driven by streamlined approvals through Nivesh Mitra, land digitization, and improved law and order. Key global investors from the US, Japan, Singapore, and Europe are active across electronics, IT, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
These partnerships are expected to generate substantial employment, boost exports, and contribute to India’s broader goals of sustainable development and technological self-reliance.
Disclaimer This is a news report on economic developments and investment trends. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to buy or sell securities. All investments carry risks, and readers should conduct their own due diligence.
