Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi converted Navratra celebrations into a massive diplomatic-business opportunity as the state got a delegation of Delhi-based diplomats from 35 countries — including China, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and North Korea — in Ahmedabad. With top officials from industries and tourism departments, the diplomats had a two-hour breakfast with Modi on Sunday.

“The idea was to showcase Gujarat as the preferred destination for business and tourism. The Navratra festivities gave an opportunity to portray the rich cultural heritage of the state and getting these countries to invest in Gujarat,” Devarapalli Kishore Rao, Gujarat government’s principal secretary (tourism) said.

He said diplomats were given a visual treat of festivities, including a three-hour performance of Garba, and served traditional Gujarati cuisine.

At least 17 Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Charge d’affairs were part of the 70-member delegation. They reached Ahmedabad on Saturday morning and were scheduled to be back in Delhi by Monday night. The delegates who met the state’s industrialists, also went for site visits in Ahmedabad as well as to Bharuch and Vadodara.

Vijay Jolly, joint convenor of BJP's Overseas Cell who organised the trip for the second year, said, “Narendrabhai told the diplomats about the conducive environment in the state and the industry-friendly government. Many of these diplomats had come for the ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ event early this year and this trip once again gave them a first-hand feel of the people and the state leadership.”

Modi also spoke about plans to organise an international Buddhist conclave in Vadodara in January next year, after a three-day kite festival, which will be preceded by an annual Ranotsav, the desert festival. He is said to have invited the delegates for the occasion.