USA
MK Stalin’s US Visit Boosts Tamil Nadu’s Vision to Become a $1 Trillion Economy by 2030. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin left for the U.S. on Tuesday evening on a two-week official visit. During his trip, he is scheduled to visit San Francisco and Chicago, as part of his mission to secure investment proposals for Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport before boarding his flight, Mr. Stalin remarked that investors had been eager to meet him during his U.S. visit, so much so that it appeared to him the number of days for his visit might not be sufficient.
In a bid to attract investments from US tech giants, Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the offices of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. During his visit, Stalin engaged in discussions about various investment opportunities and exciting partnerships for Tamil Nadu.
“Your Love Makes Me Feel at Home,” CM MK Stalin Tells Tamil Diaspora in the US
Upon landing in San Francisco, CM Stalin received a rousing reception from the Tamil diaspora. Addressing the gathering, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude by saying, “Your love makes me feel at home.” This warm welcome set the tone for his visit, which he described as a part of his broader mission to transform Tamil Nadu into a USD one trillion economy.
Strengthening Partnerships with Tech Giants
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief took to X (formerly Twitter) to share pictures from his US trip. He wrote, “Discussed various opportunities and exciting partnerships. Determined to strengthen these partnerships and make Tamil Nadu one of the foremost growth engines of Asia!” This statement was followed by tags such as @TRBRajaa, @Guidance_TN, @TNIndMin, and hashtags #InvestInTN, #ThriveInTN, #LeadWithTN, #DravidianModel.
Google Partnership to Boost AI in Tamil Nadu
Stalin’s visit to the US was described as “awe-inspiring.” As part of this visit, he inked a pact under the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme in partnership with Google to skill two million youngsters in Tamil Nadu in artificial intelligence (AI). This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google aims to establish AI labs in the state. The collaboration will focus on AI start-up enablement, skilling, and industrial ecosystem enablement, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create impactful, scalable AI solutions.
Expansion of Production and Technological Facilities
During his visit to Google’s Mountain View campus, Stalin met with top officials and discussed further expansion of Pixel 8 phone production in Tamil Nadu and the launch of other Google products and technology facilities in the state. According to a government statement, Google will work with Guidance, the Tamil Nadu government’s nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation, to develop a robust AI ecosystem. This will include providing access to advanced technologies and resources to empower individuals, businesses, and government entities.
Comments from Officials on the New Partnerships
Industries Minister Dr. TRB Rajaa commented, “We are happy to collaborate with Google on advanced manufacturing, including the recently announced Made in India Pixel 8 phone being manufactured in Tamil Nadu. Our partnership with Google is a significant step forward towards establishing Tamil Nadu as a thriving AI and advanced electronics manufacturing hub.”
Amit Zavery, Head of Platform at Google Cloud, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Tamil Nadu Government on their journey towards an AI-powered future. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and technological progress through AI.”
Supporting Tamil Nadu’s Startup Ecosystem
Google will also work with Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem, offering mentorship and networking with Google experts and industry leaders. The Google for Startups program will provide eligible AI startups with cloud credits, technical training, and business support to accelerate their growth. Furthermore, Google and its partners will collaborate with the Tamil Nadu government to help MSMEs leverage Google Cloud’s AI to enhance innovation and streamline processes.
Apple’s Role in Tamil Nadu’s Manufacturing Ecosystem
Stalin also visited Apple Inc.’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. During this visit, he expressed gratitude to Apple for including Tamil Nadu in the global electronics manufacturing ecosystem and invited Apple to invest further in the state. Discussions focused on initiatives to improve the manufacturing environment, women empowerment, and industrial housing and logistics in Tamil Nadu.
Microsoft Collaboration on Data Centers and AI Training
In addition, Stalin visited Microsoft’s office and met with CEO Ryan Roslansky and other senior officials. They discussed expanding data center infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, establishing a Global Capability Centre, and collaborating on AI training initiatives to develop a future-ready workforce.
Significant Investment Deals Secured
During his US tour, Stalin secured Rs 900 crore in investments through six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with companies such as Nokia, PayPal, and Microchip. These agreements promise to create over 4,000 jobs in Tamil Nadu. The MoUs, signed during an investors’ meet in San Francisco, are part of Tamil Nadu’s vision to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Ahead of Stalin’s Visit, TRB Rajaa Meets US Tamil Associations in Chicago
Ahead of CM Stalin’s arrival in the U.S., Industries Minister TRB Rajaa met with various Tamil associations in Chicago. His meetings aimed to strengthen ties with the Tamil diaspora and to lay the groundwork for Stalin’s visit. Rajaa is also expected to meet with investors during his stay in the U.S., focusing on attracting high-value investments to Tamil Nadu.
Engaging with the Tamil Diaspora and Cultural Events
MK Stalin’s US visit also included meetings with the Tamil diaspora and cultural events in Chicago. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with global tech leaders to drive growth and innovation, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading hub for technology and manufacturing in Asia.
