Why was Hyderabad chosen by IKEA for its first India store?
After Swedish furniture giant IKEA received FDI approval to launch in India in 2013, it was looking at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to set up its first store. However, IAS Pradeep Chandra, then Principal Secretary (Industries), convinced CEO Jesper Brodin to launch IKEA in Hyderabad while Andhra Pradesh government promised land allotments and a potential metro station opposite the store.