Karnataka could've secured more investments from US roadshow had Centre given timely approval for my travel: Priyank Kharge

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on July 9 said the state could have attracted more investments during the recent US roadshow if he had been allowed to lead the delegation.

"In my absence, Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, chairman of Keonics, led the delegation. We managed to attract about Rs 5,500 crore in the ESDM sector and around Rs 1,600 crore in the Global Capability Centre space. Probable investments in life sciences could take the total to around Rs 9,700 crore,” said Kharge.

"But had I been allowed to lead the delegation, we could've secured more. Last time, when Industries Minister MB Patil and I jointly led a delegation, we received investment pledges of Rs 30,000-31,000 crore, most of which were realised."

Kharge, who was denied travel clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs, said he had applied for permission on May 15 to travel to the US from June 14 to 27. However, the approval came only on June 19, which is five days after his scheduled date of departure.

He added that while Bache Gowda managed well due to his strong technology background and cabinet rank, "better appointments with key decision-makers could have been secured had I led the delegation."

Kharge declined to name specific companies, citing confidentiality and protocol, but said that the focus was on bringing employment and investment to both Karnataka and India.

"This was six months of hard work. Getting appointments takes time - we have to send requests, detailed agendas, and explain the purpose of the visit. Investments don’t happen overnight," he said.

Meanwhile, Bache Gowda said the 10-day US roadshow across Boston, New York, and San Francisco showcased Karnataka’s innovation and startup ecosystem and generated strong global interest.

The delegation, led by IT-BT secretary Ekroop Caur and Bache Gowda, held over 120 meetings, signed MoUs and LoIs, and participated in major events like BIO US and the Design Automation Conference. The roadshow highlighted opportunities in biotech, semiconductors, and GCCs, with academic collaborations explored at MIT and Stanford. "The response reaffirmed Karnataka’s position as a top innovation hub," said Bache Gowda.