THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

KOLKATA, OCTOBER 28, 2026

Vedanta Resources Founder and Non-executive Chairman Anil Agarwal on Wednesday announced that the group would explore investment opportunities worth Rs 80,000 crore in West Bengal, with a focus on power and aluminium, expressing confidence in the state's industrial potential, mineral wealth and business environment.

Agarwal, who was scheduled to meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari later in the day, said he shared a deep personal connection with West Bengal and would make every effort to pursue investment opportunities in the state.

"I have a heart and soul in West Bengal, and I will not leave anything unturned if some opportunity comes here," he said on the sidelines of an Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) event.

Highlighting the state's rich mineral resources, infrastructure and skilled workforce, Agarwal said West Bengal had the potential to reclaim its position as one of India's leading industrial hubs.

"West Bengal was the place... the biggest industrial hub was Bengal. There is no better place because we have all the minerals, we have human resources, the best women's skill power is also here," he said.

Asked about the sectors that could attract investment, Agarwal said mining, minerals and power would be among his key areas of interest, with the proposed investment exploration opening up the prospect of a significant industrial push for the state.

He also expressed optimism about the prevailing business climate in West Bengal, citing a positive outlook among people and the state leadership.

Agarwal's remarks come at a time when states are intensifying efforts to attract large-scale industrial investments, particularly in resource-intensive sectors such as metals, mining and energy, which have strong linkages with manufacturing, infrastructure and employment generation.

Commenting on India's economic prospects amid global uncertainties and volatility in commodity markets, Agarwal said the country's expanding domestic demand and development trajectory offered substantial opportunities for businesses.

"India is a very peaceful country... as far as the demand is concerned, India is the most developing country going forward," he said.

Emphasising the importance of self-reliance, Agarwal said India needed to harness its domestic natural resources and reduce dependence on imports to strengthen its industrial and economic growth.

"We need all our natural resources; we can't depend on imports. We have to have our own," he added.

On Vedanta's growth ambitions, Agarwal said the group was targeting revenue of USD 50 billion and profit of USD 20 billion over the next two years, underlining its aspirations for substantial expansion.