Former Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur highlighted that over half of the startups in India are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Speaking at TiECon Chandigarh 2026, organized by TiE Chandigarh, he emphasized that the surge in startups reflects the confidence investors and the business community have in the policies of the Narendra Modi administration.
During his address, Thakur encouraged India’s startup founders, entrepreneurs, and emerging business leaders to leverage the exceptional opportunities presented by significant legislative and policy reforms implemented over the last decade. “India has transcended its status as a nation of emerging potential to one that has fully realized its capabilities. Now is the moment for us to strive for global leadership,” stated Thakur, a member of Parliament from Hamirpur, noting that India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy with a GDP of $4.18 trillion.
Thakur pointed out that India boasts over 212,000 startups recognized by the DPIIT and has more than 120 unicorns, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. “As the fourth-largest economy in the world, we are poised to take bold steps and demonstrate our strengths in IT, innovation, and artificial intelligence to make a significant global impact,” he remarked. He further mentioned that initiatives like Startup India, Stand Up India, insolvency reforms, and improvements in the ease of doing business have substantially enhanced capital and revenue generation.
In a later discussion with TiE Chandigarh president Puneet Verma, Thakur shared his unexpected journey into politics, stating that his passion for cricket was initially his focus. He had aimed to build a world-class stadium in Dharamshala, which inadvertently led him into the political arena. “I was dedicated to cricket and had a promising future while playing for Punjab, but I had to abandon that dream due to my father’s health issues,” he recounted.
Thakur explained that legal challenges he faced while advocating for the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium opened a new path for him, ultimately leading to his political career. He encouraged young people to find positives in difficult situations. “Today, the Dharamshala stadium is celebrated as one of the most beautiful venues among cricket enthusiasts and visitors alike. The dedication we all showed has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally,” he reflected, recalling the skepticism he faced during the stadium’s construction.
When asked about his experiences in cricket, Thakur, a former president of the BCCI, mentioned that even wealthy individuals often seek passes for the IPL. “To me, the genuine fan is one who purchases a ticket with their hard-earned money. It is my responsibility to ensure they have the best experience when they attend,” he concluded, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
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