India
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to Visit London for Investment Talks, Delaying Gold Ring Welfare Scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will undertake his first official trip abroad since taking office, departing for London on September 10, 2026, to promote investment opportunities in the state. According to sources, Mr. Vijay will leave Chennai airport late on September 10 and land in London the following day, beginning a week-long visit. During his stay, he is expected to meet with entrepreneurs and industrialists to discuss Tamil Nadu's investment potential and showcase the state's advantages as a business destination. Several Memoranda of Understanding between the Tamil Nadu government and multinational firms are likely to be signed during his visit. This follows the recent Vettri Tamil Nadu Investors' Conclave, where the state signed MoUs worth ₹67,482 crore with 97 companies. Mr. Vijay also plans to tour motorsport facilities and a racing circuit in London, following his earlier announcement in the state Assembly under Rule 110 about plans to build a motorsport city with modern amenities in Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister will additionally meet members of the Tamil diaspora residing in London. He will be accompanied on the trip by his Secretaries I and IV, along with senior officials from Guidance Tamil Nadu. His return to Chennai is scheduled for the morning of September 17. Sources clarified that there has been no change to his London itinerary despite reports suggesting it might be adjusted due to a planned visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Chennai, where he was expected to meet Mr. Vijay. Because of the Chief Minister's near week-long absence, the launch of the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam scheme has been postponed. This welfare initiative, under which the state government gifts a one-gram gold ring to babies born in government hospitals, was originally planned for launch on September 15, marking the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. Sources indicated that the planned expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to cover students in Classes VI to VIII across government and government-aided schools, originally set for September 17 to coincide with the birth anniversary of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, may also be delayed.