India's new energy industry is emerging, with many local companies investing and Chinese and other international companies building plants. Here is an overview of India's regions and major cities.
According to the latest administrative divisions, India has 28 states and 8 union territories. States have elected governments, while union territories are administered directly by the central government.
Overview of India's major cities
1. Mumbai
State: Maharashtra
Highlights: India's largest port and economic centre, known as the "Gateway of India". Strong in finance, commerce and entertainment (Bollywood), and home to the headquarters of many large companies.
2. Delhi (National Capital Territory)
Territory: National Capital Territory of Delhi
Highlights: India's capital, including New Delhi (the administrative centre) and Old Delhi (the historic city). The country's political, transport and cultural centre, where historic monuments and a modern city coexist.
3. Bengaluru
State: Karnataka
Highlights: known as "India's Silicon Valley", the centre of information technology and software development, and an important base for higher education and research.
4. Chennai
State: Tamil Nadu
Highlights: an important port and cultural centre on India's east coast, with beautiful beaches and grand temples, and famous for classical music and dance.
5. Hyderabad
State: Telangana
Highlights: once a centre of the pearl and diamond trade with a long history, now an important technology and pharmaceutical hub known for Golconda Fort and its blended culture.
6. Ahmedabad
State: Gujarat
Highlights: a birthplace of India's independence movement, where Mahatma Gandhi founded his ashram; now Gujarat's main industrial and commercial city.
7. Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Highlights: the former capital of British India with many Victorian buildings, now an important commercial, cultural and educational centre in eastern India.
8. Surat
State: Gujarat
Highlights: a global centre for diamond cutting and polishing, known for diamonds and textiles, and one of India's fastest-growing cities.
9. Pune
State: Maharashtra
Highlights: an important base for automotive manufacturing and IT, and a cultural centre with many renowned universities and institutions.
10. Jaipur
State: Rajasthan
Highlights: the famous "Pink City" and capital of Rajasthan, with many palaces, forts and historic sites, and one of India's most important tourist destinations.