Panaji: Goa has secured the fourth position among 36 States and Union Territories in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026, with an overall score of 53.1. The State also ranked first among seven City States and Union Territories and emerged as one of only five national “Top Performers” scoring above 50.

The index assesses the strength and readiness of the investment ecosystem across eight pillars, including infrastructure, business climate, resources, regulatory ease, institutional environment, financial health, government policy and environmental resilience.

Goa recorded its highest pillar score in Regulatory Ease at 71%, followed by Institutional Environment at 66%, Financial Health at 61%, and Infrastructure and Resources at 56% each. The State also performed above the national pillar average in Business Climate and Government Policy.

Goa also recorded the highest expenditure as a percentage of GSDP on skilling and healthcare within its category. Nearly 25% of higher-education enrolment in the State is in STEM courses, while Goa ranked first in its category in STEM enrolment share and vocational-training capacity.

The State’s two international airports account for nearly 3% of India’s airport capacity, while its port capacity represents around 3% of the national total, despite Goa contributing about 0.35% of India’s GDP.

According to the statement, Goa also has the highest share of renewable energy in its power mix among States and Union Territories and maintains transmission and distribution losses at approximately 7%.

The State Government said the recognition reflects its efforts to strengthen infrastructure, skilled human resources, regulatory efficiency, connectivity and clean energy. It added that Goa would build on the achievement to attract responsible investment, generate quality employment and create greater opportunities for Goan youth.