Goa Ranks Fourth in NITI Investment Friendliness Index 2026

Goa has strengthened its position as one of India's fastest-emerging investment destinations , securing the fourth rank among all States and Union Territories in the NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026 . With an overall score of 53.1 , the coastal state is among only five 'Top Performer' states and UTs in the inaugural national ranking and also secured the first position among the seven City States and Union Territories .

The Investment Friendliness Index , launched under the Union Budget 2025-26 , measures how conducive a state's overall investment ecosystem is rather than the volume of investments it has attracted. States are assessed across eight pillars — infrastructure, business climate, resources, regulatory ease, institutional environment, financial health, government policy and environmental resilience —using 118 indicators grouped under 295 data points . These combine official government data with perception-based feedback from businesses , with each pillar carrying a weighted score that contributes to the state's final index score.

Goa recorded its highest score in regulatory ease (71%) , followed by institutional environment (66%) , financial health (61%) , and infrastructure and resources (56% each) . The state also performed above the national average in seven of the eight parameters , reflecting sustained improvements in governance, public administration and investor facilitation.

While tourism remains a key pillar of Goa's economy, the state has consciously diversified its growth strategy over the past five years by promoting technology, logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, startups and knowledge-based industries . A major catalyst has been the Manohar International Airport (Mopa) , commissioned in 2022, along with a ₹1,183-crore six-lane highway connecting it to the national highway network. Goa has also strengthened its port infrastructure with dedicated terminals for containers, dry bulk cargo and petroleum products. Despite contributing only 0.35% to India's GDP , the state's two international airports account for nearly 3% of India's airport capacity , while its ports contribute another 3% of national port capacity .

The report also highlighted Goa's investment in human capital, noting that it recorded the highest expenditure as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) on skilling and healthcare among City States and UTs. Nearly 25% of higher education enrolment is in STEM disciplines, with Goa ranking first in STEM enrolment share and vocational training capacity.

Goa also has the highest share of renewable energy in its power mix among all states and UTs, while transmission and distribution losses are estimated at around 7% . Businesses surveyed cited reliable electricity supply, strong road and rail connectivity, warehousing facilities and skilled manpower as major advantages. The state government attributed the achievement to reforms under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant , saying it will continue to focus on responsible investments, employment generation and sustainable economic growth to further strengthen Goa's position as a preferred investment destination.