MUMBAI (Diya TV) — Maharashtra has become the first state in India to set up a Department of Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment, Diaspora Affairs, and Outreach, a move aimed at strengthening global ties and attracting new investment. The new department expands the scope of the existing Protocol Department, reflecting the state’s ambition to become a global economic hub.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the effort to establish the department, reportedly pursuing the proposal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The government hopes this new model will inspire other Indian states to build stronger international partnerships and engage more deeply with the global Indian diaspora.
According to reports from Deccan Herald, the restructuring of the Protocol Department marks a significant policy shift. It positions Maharashtra to better manage foreign direct investment (FDI), build stronger ties with the Indian diaspora, and expand its role in international diplomacy at the state level.
Officials say the department will serve as a bridge between Maharashtra and global investors, institutions, and communities. It will also coordinate visits, collaborations, and events that enhance the state’s international presence.
In a historic move, the Maharashtra government has inducted Dr. Rajesh Gawande, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, on deputation to the new department. This is the first time in India that an IFS officer has been appointed to a state government position.
Dr. Gawande, a 2009-batch IFS officer from Ahilyanagar, previously served as Regional Passport Officer and Head of the Branch Secretariat in Mumbai. He has also represented India in missions in Nairobi, Kampala, and Berlin. His diplomatic background is expected to help Maharashtra attract more global investment and expand international cooperation.
The appointment reflects Maharashtra’s focus on professionalism and global experience in its new outreach initiatives. It also signals the state’s growing recognition that economic diplomacy can be effectively managed at both national and state levels.
In a related development, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a long-term roadmap titled Developed Maharashtra 2047 on October 29, 2025. The document outlines the state’s economic and developmental goals for 2030, 2035, and 2047.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said the plan was created after consultations with over 700,000 stakeholders across various government departments. The goal is to align Maharashtra’s progress with India’s national vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, part of the central government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative.
“This plan has been prepared after all departments consulted at least seven lakh stakeholders and considered their aspirations,” Fadnavis said after chairing the cabinet meeting. He added that a Vision Management Unit will monitor and guide the plan’s implementation.
The Developed Maharashtra 2047 document sets out a three-phase roadmap:
- A short-term plan for 2029
- A medium-term plan for 2035
- A long-term vision for 2047
The plan covers 16 key sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, technology, and governance. It focuses on promoting innovation, sustainable growth, and better public services to make Maharashtra a global investment destination.
The creation of the new department and the launch of the 2047 vision plan signal Maharashtra’s intent to merge global engagement with long-term development goals. Experts believe this strategy could give the state an edge in attracting foreign investors, building stronger ties with the Indian diaspora, and improving the overall ease of doing business.
The department is expected to play a central role in coordinating outreach efforts, organizing global investor meets, and managing relationships with international organizations and governments.
Maharashtra, India’s largest state economy, has long been a major destination for foreign direct investment. With this new initiative, the government aims to further position Mumbai and other key cities as global investment hubs.
By combining economic planning with international outreach, Maharashtra is setting a precedent for how states can take proactive roles in shaping India’s global identity. The establishment of the new department, coupled with the Developed Maharashtra 2047 vision, reflects a forward-looking approach to governance and development.
As Chief Minister Fadnavis noted, Maharashtra’s efforts are part of a broader mission to ensure that the state — and India — take their place among the world’s leading economies by 2047.
