The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Tamil Nadu government has decided not to send a delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which began on January 19, 2026, and runs through January 23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
Reliable reports indicate that Tamil Nadu is among the few Indian states opting out this year, primarily due to preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.
In contrast, at least 10 other Indian states are actively participating to attract global investments amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties. These include:
- Andhra Pradesh (led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, with a packed schedule of 36 engagements)
- Assam (Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, attending for the first time to showcase rapid growth)
- Gujarat (Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi)
- Jharkhand (Chief Minister Hemant Soren)
- Karnataka (represented by a minister after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar canceled his plans)
- Madhya Pradesh (Chief Minister Mohan Yadav)
- Maharashtra (Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis)
- Telangana (Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy)
- Uttar Pradesh (senior delegation)
- Kerala (senior delegation)
Competitive federalism in Davos!#WEF26 #MCatDavos
Assam
Gujarat
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Telangana
Uttar Pradesh
Kerala pic.twitter.com/LunedsM4NI— Chandra R. Srikanth (@chandrarsrikant) January 17, 2026
These states are competing fiercely, with dedicated pavilions, CEO meetings, and pitches focused on sectors like AI, minerals, renewables, and industrial transformation.
The absence of Tamil Nadu has sparked criticism from opposition figures and BJP leaders. Social media posts and statements have described it as a “missed opportunity,” accusing the DMK of prioritizing “power and politics” over state development and investment attraction. Critics argue that while southern neighbors like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala engage globally, Tamil Nadu’s skip reflects misplaced priorities ahead of elections.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
