The World Economic Forum (WEF) summit is set to commence in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue.' In this global summit, which will be attended by international giants such as US President Donald Trump, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, the two Telugu states are competing with each other to attract investments.
When the world’s most influential leaders converge in the snowy Swiss Alps for the World Economic Forum in 2026, much of the coverage may center on G7 heads of state and major international agreements. Yet, another narrative is unfolding in the background—one carrying significant momentum and arguably higher stakes for India. Two Chief Ministers—Nara Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh and A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana—have turned Davos into an arena for “competitive federalism.” Each is determined to attract as much global investment as possible, redefining India’s economic trajectory for the next two decades.
This year’s event, themed “A Spirit of Dialogue,” arrives as the world grapples with intersecting crises—from job markets disrupted by AI to the rapid shift toward green energy. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, however, are not simply present; they are positioning themselves as key solutions. Both leaders are intent on driving rapid industrial development in their respective states, yet their strategies in Davos are distinctly different.
Andhra’s “Sunrise” Makeover
For Chandrababu Naidu, Davos feels almost like familiar ground. He’s the leader who previously put Hyderabad on the world stage, and now he returns with a clearer vision: Swarna Andhra 2047. His message emphasizes speed, sustainability, and scale. Moving beyond traditional IT sectors, he is focusing squarely on “Deep Tech” and the green economy. Chandrababu itinerary includes meetings with industry giants like Arvind Krishna of IBM and Thomas Kurian from Google Cloud. His primary focus, however, is on green hydrogen and semiconductors. He is promoting Andhra’s coastline and ports as a “global gateway,” aiming to persuade manufacturers to choose Andhra Pradesh over Southeast Asia. It’s an ambitious pitch, backed up by action.
Telangana’s High-Speed AI Offensive
Revanth Reddy approaches Davos as a full-scale campaign under the “Telangana Rising-2047” initiative. If Naidu is the calculated statesman, Reddy is the energetic challenger. He arrives not with vague assurances but with concrete policies. The Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30 aims to double the state’s pharmaceutical sector, transforming it into a $250 billion powerhouse. With the launch of the Telangana AI Innovation Hub—touted as the world’s first “Global AI Proving Ground”—he is challenging Silicon Valley itself. Reddy is also unveiling large-scale projects like Bharat Future City and the Musi Rejuvenation, signaling Telangana’s readiness for solutions scaled to India’s vast population.
Why Davos 2026 Matters
Many dismiss the WEF as a “talking shop” for the elite. But for India’s states, Davos holds tangible value.
First, it serves as a validation filter. When state leaders participate in the India Lounge or a CEO roundtable, it signals credibility to global investors.
Second, it acts as a policy sandbox. Davos enables leaders such as Reddy and Naidu to present ambitious, sometimes risky, ideas—like Telangana’s AI sandbox—directly to regulators and technology leaders.
Third, the multiplier effect is significant. A single MoU signed here can set off a chain reaction of investments in supply chains, logistics, and beyond. That’s why both Chief Ministers brought key figures like Nara Lokesh and D. Sridhar Babu with them.
Two-State Pitch, Side by Side
Swarna Andhra 2047... Core focus—energy transition, manufacturing. Major bets—port-led growth, semiconductors. Main policy—speed-centric governance. Principal global allies—UAE and Tata Group.
Telangana Rising-2047... Core focus—AI hub, life sciences. Major bets—Bharat Future City, AI Innovation Hub. Main policy—Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy. Principal global ally—World Economic Forum (4IR Center).
Between Amaravati and Hyderabad, the true winner isn’t confined to one city or state—it’s India as a whole. Naidu is advancing “One Family – One Entrepreneur,” while Reddy is championing “CURE, PURE, and RARE” economic zones. Together, they demonstrate how states can connect with the global economy in innovative ways. But there’s a crucial point: execution. Davos abounds with grand declarations and MoUs that sometimes go unfulfilled. For Naidu and Reddy, the definitive test doesn’t occur in the luxurious halls of Davos. It happens later, when real work begins in Guntur or Rangareddy. Only then will it be clear whose vision truly takes hold.