09-MAY-2025,02:30PM In a significant development highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s growing global economic relevance, World Bank President Ajay Banga met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a day-long visit to Lucknow. The meeting marks a pivotal step in enhancing the partnership between the World Bank and India’s most populous state, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and digital governance.
Ajay Banga, an Indian-origin global finance leader who assumed charge as World Bank chief in 2023, is on a multi-city tour of India to assess development projects and explore future collaborations. His Lucknow visit and meeting with Yogi Adityanath focused on key government initiatives and potential financial and technical assistance from the World Bank.
Yogi Adityanath Discusses Vision for a Developed Uttar Pradesh
Yogi Adityanath Showcases UP’s Rapid Growth and Investment Potential
During the high-profile meeting, Yogi Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s transformation over the last several years, emphasizing record-breaking infrastructure projects, a rising ease of doing business index, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
“Uttar Pradesh is emerging as the new growth engine of India,” said Yogi Adityanath. “With strong law and order, economic reforms, and people-centric governance, we are ready for global partnerships that benefit every citizen.”
Ajay Banga was briefed on major initiatives such as the UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Expressways, the Ganga Expressway, and smart city missions in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
The Chief Minister also underlined his administration’s emphasis on inclusive development, touching upon projects in health, women’s empowerment, skill development, and green energy.
World Bank’s Interest in Strategic Sectors of Uttar Pradesh
Focus Areas: Urban Development, Health, Water, and Digital Infrastructure
Ajay Banga’s visit signals the World Bank’s increasing interest in strengthening ties with sub-national entities like Uttar Pradesh. Sources indicate that the World Bank is exploring collaborations in four key sectors:
Urban Development: With rapid urbanization, UP cities are in need of sustainable infrastructure, efficient waste management, and mobility solutions.
Healthcare: World Bank support could enhance public healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Water Management: Projects on river rejuvenation, clean drinking water, and sanitation align with both World Bank priorities and UP’s needs.
Digital Governance: UP’s initiatives in digitizing public services have set benchmarks. Further support could scale these programs.
Ajay Banga appreciated the forward-thinking governance model under Yogi Adityanath, commending the state’s ability to implement complex projects with scale and efficiency.
Yogi Adityanath Seeks Long-Term Partnership with World Bank
Yogi Adityanath Proposes Multi-Year Strategic Framework
In his interaction with Ajay Banga, Yogi Adityanath proposed a long-term strategic framework that outlines World Bank-supported programs in line with UP’s vision for 2047 — the centenary year of India’s independence.
The proposal includes:
Technical and financial assistance in clean energy transitions
Support for women-led enterprises and rural livelihood missions
Collaborations on upgrading medical colleges and district hospitals
Smart water management programs in Bundelkhand and central UP
“We want a partnership that not only accelerates infrastructure but also uplifts our youth and women. The World Bank can play a key role in empowering 25 crore citizens of Uttar Pradesh,” Yogi Adityanath stated during the discussion.
Ajay Banga responded positively, affirming that the World Bank is ready to support scalable, measurable, and community-driven projects in UP.
Symbolic and Strategic: Why Ajay Banga’s Visit to UP Matters
Lucknow Gains Spotlight in India’s Global Development Narrative
Ajay Banga’s visit to Lucknow, apart from its policy implications, also sends a symbolic message. It underscores the World Bank’s confidence in India’s federal model and the role of state governments like Yogi Adityanath’s in driving transformational change.
By visiting UP, Banga shifted global attention toward a state that is often described as a microcosm of India — diverse, challenging, and full of opportunity. His presence is expected to boost investor confidence, especially in PPP (public-private partnership) projects.
Yogi Adityanath Reiterates Commitment to Global Collaboration
Yogi Adityanath Emphasizes Transparency and Impactful Delivery
Reiterating his government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivery-driven governance, Yogi Adityanath assured the World Bank that every dollar invested in the state would create visible outcomes.
“Our government ensures timely project execution with zero tolerance for corruption. Every global partner in Uttar Pradesh finds not just a market but a mission,” he said.
He also invited the World Bank to send expert delegations to monitor ongoing projects and offer technical guidance for future ones.
Industry and Civil Society Welcome the Engagement
Experts Praise UP’s Inclusion in Global Development Talks
Economists, business leaders, and policy analysts have welcomed the meeting between Ajay Banga and Yogi Adityanath as a forward-looking engagement. Industry groups like CII and FICCI noted that greater cooperation with the World Bank could fast-track critical sectors like logistics, MSMEs, and clean energy.
Civil society organizations also praised the inclusion of rural development and health in the discussion, stating that international support should be directed toward long-term human capital development.
Conclusion: Yogi Adityanath’s Governance Model Draws Global Recognition
The meeting between World Bank President Ajay Banga and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s evolving stature on the global development map. With a dynamic governance model, data-driven decision-making, and unwavering political will, UP is fast emerging as a destination not just for investment but for innovation and inclusive growth.
Ajay Banga’s visit is likely to open new doors for financing, knowledge exchange, and technical support. But equally important, it serves as global acknowledgment of Yogi Adityanath’s leadership and vision for building a “New Uttar Pradesh.”
As India continues its journey toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, partnerships like these — rooted in trust, performance, and mutual benefit — will be instrumental. And in this transformative journey, leaders like Yogi Adityanath are paving the way for a stronger, more self-reliant Bharat.
Source : ANI
