Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Vijay’s UK Visit Combines Investment Pitch With Motorsport Plans
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay travelled to the United Kingdom to encourage companies to invest in Tamil Nadu.
His trip is scheduled to run from September 10 to 17.
He also visited Silverstone, a major racing circuit.
Tamil Nadu wants to build a Motor Sports City.
Vijay studied how Silverstone is designed, run and kept safe.
He watched a racing event and waved the green flag to start it.
He met actor and racer Ajith Kumar, who was competing in the race.
Some opposition politicians said Vijay should have focused more on state problems and investment work.
Vijay’s party said meeting Ajith was a normal part of the visit.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is visiting the United Kingdom from September 10 to 17 to attract foreign investment.
Vijay and state officials inspected Silverstone Circuit’s design, commercial operations and safety standards for a proposed Motor Sports City in Tamil Nadu.
He attended the Michelin Le Mans Cup at Silverstone and waved the ceremonial green flag before hugging racer and actor Ajith Kumar.
The Tamil Nadu government said European multinationals have proposed projects worth more than £663 million, potentially creating nearly 5,690 jobs.
The opposition DMK criticised Vijay’s racing-event appearance, while his TVK party said meeting Ajith was appropriate during the official visit.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, state officials, actor and racer Ajith Kumar, and representatives of the opposition DMK and Vijay’s TVK party.
- What
- Vijay is seeking foreign investment in Tamil Nadu while studying Silverstone’s infrastructure for a proposed Motor Sports City.
- When
- The official visit runs from September 10 to 17; Vijay attended the Michelin Le Mans Cup during the trip.
- Where
- The visit is taking place in the United Kingdom, including Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, while the proposed project would be in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The government says the trip is intended to promote Tamil Nadu as an investment hub and support plans for a Motor Sports City.
Critics of the Visit
Supporters of the Visit
Purpose of the United Kingdom trip
Critics of the Visit
DMK critics said Vijay presented the trip as an investment mission but was seen attending a car race involving his friend Ajith Kumar.
Supporters of the Visit
Vijay’s TVK party said meeting Ajith was not improper and that the chief minister had provided policy direction while ministers and officials handled the government’s work.
Priority during the visit
Critics of the Visit
DMK lawmaker Markandeyan said Tamil Nadu had farmers’, fishermen’s and other issues requiring attention, and that there was no immediate rush to attract investment.
Supporters of the Visit
The government said the visit was designed to attract foreign investment and also supported a proposed Motor Sports City by examining Silverstone’s infrastructure, operations and safety standards.
- Visit dates
- September 10 to 17
- Destination
- United Kingdom
- Investment proposals
- More than £663 million from European multinationals
- Potential jobs
- Nearly 5,690 jobs in Tamil Nadu
- Recent investor commitments
- MoUs exceeding £7.8 billion at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investors’ Conclave 2026
- Motorsport venue visited
- Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit in Northamptonshire
- Proposed project
- Motor Sports City in Tamil Nadu