Odisha has secured a place among India’s top five investor-friendly states, earning the prestigious ‘Top Performer’ tag in NITI Aayog’s first-ever Investment Friendliness Index (IFI).

The state shares the highest-performing category with Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa, highlighting the growing strength of its business ecosystem and increasing attractiveness for investors.

Introduced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the IFI aims to promote competitive and cooperative federalism by encouraging states and Union Territories to undertake reforms that improve investment opportunities and strengthen their business environments.

The index evaluates states and UTs across several key parameters, including infrastructure, business climate, policy framework, regulatory ease, institutional strength, financial health, resource availability and environmental resilience.

Odisha’s recognition reflects its progress in industrial development, investor facilitation and policy stability. The ranking also underlines the important role of state governments in creating a favourable environment for investment through better infrastructure, simplified regulations and institutional reforms.

The achievement aligns with India’s broader vision of building a developed economy under Viksit Bharat 2047, while strengthening Odisha’s position as an emerging destination for domestic and global investments.