Mumbai and Maharashtra are gaining momentum as preferred destinations for international investments in infrastructure, clean energy, education and technology, according to diplomats from Australia and Finland during a discussion on the State’s economic prospects.
Speaking at The Hindu’s Maharashtra Infrastructure Conclave 2026 held in Mumbai on May 22, Australian Consul General Paul Murphy said the scale and speed of infrastructure growth across Mumbai and Maharashtra had strengthened investor confidence. He highlighted projects such as metro rail expansion, new transport corridors, highways and the Coastal Road as examples of the region’s ongoing urban transformation.
“As a foreigner coming to Mumbai and Maharashtra, it truly is astounding to witness the pace of transformation,” Mr. Murphy said.
Describing Mumbai as the Indian city most frequently visited by Australian business delegations, he said companies from Australia were exploring long-term opportunities in infrastructure, transport, engineering services, renewable energy and sports infrastructure. Interest was also growing in India’s electric mobility sector, including electric bus leasing and clean energy collaborations.
Mr. Murphy noted that energy cooperation between India and Australia had become more significant amid concerns over global supply chains and energy security. “Australia has significant expertise in rooftop solar integration and clean energy systems, while India is going to be a major part of the global clean energy solution because of the scale of its economy and manufacturing capabilities,” he added.
Finnish Consul General Erik Hallstrom stressed the need for stronger public transport systems and said Mumbai had witnessed visible changes in recent years through the metro and Coastal Road projects.
“What this city needs is more public transport — more metro lines, buses and integrated transport systems,” Hallstrom said.
He added that Finnish firms were keen to invest in sustainability, green technology, circular economy solutions and education. According to him, Finnish companies were already participating in urban planning, environmental restoration and sustainability-related initiatives in Maharashtra.
Both diplomats also highlighted education as an important area of cooperation. Murphy said nearly 120,000 Indian students were studying in Australia, while Australian universities were evaluating expansion opportunities in India. Meanwhile, Hallstrom said Finnish education models had already entered parts of Maharashtra through partnerships with local institutions.
The discussion also touched upon investor concerns regarding regulatory clarity and approval systems, though both diplomats remained optimistic about Mumbai’s future as a global business and innovation hub.
Source: The Hindu
