The CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit 2025, the second edition of this significant economic gathering, recently concluded, spotlighting "The India Advantage" in a volatile global landscape. The summit convened visionary leaders to discuss India's growth trajectory and chart a course for the future.
India's Economic Stability and Growth
Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, India's economy stands out as stable, with a GDP growth of 7.8% in the first quarter of FY26, marking a five-quarter high. This growth is fueled by resilient services, a rebounding manufacturing sector, and sustained government investment. Projections indicate that India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, boasting a $7.3 trillion GDP.
Key Themes and Discussions
The summit covered a wide array of topics, capturing India's pulse in real-time. Discussions ranged from space and defense innovation to sports and the digital economy, and from infrastructure to sustainability. A key focus was on India's capital markets and their central role in the country's growth story, with emphasis on the rapid transformation of these markets, record investor participation, significant regulatory reforms, and growing global interest.
The India Advantage: Dual Engines of Growth
Bain & Company CEO & Worldwide Managing Partner, Christophe De Vusser, highlighted India's "dual engine" for growth. He pointed to the reduction in labor forces in other parts of the world as a boon for India, alongside the global recalibration towards a post-global world. De Vusser stressed India's unique position, emphasizing the importance of having a seat at the table when it comes to India. He expressed strong confidence in India's potential, both within the country and on a global scale.
Manufacturing and the Future of Work
The summit also explored the manufacturing side of the Indian growth story. Speakers emphasized the opportunity for India to adopt a future-back approach to manufacturing, embracing robotics and automation. This would not only drive manufacturing but also create high-quality jobs, positioning India as a leader in the future of manufacturing.
Investor Protection in the Digital Age
SEBI Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey addressed the growing influence of unregulated financial influencers and the risks they pose to investor safety. A SEBI survey revealed that a significant percentage of retail investors rely on recommendations from influencers, making investor education more critical than ever. SEBI is taking a proactive approach to protect retail investors from digital risks, including removing misleading content and deploying verification tools. Initiatives like "SEBI vs Scam" aim to combine education, enforcement, and technology to curb misinformation and ensure investor safety.
AI Adoption and Innovation
The summit also highlighted India's rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Oliver Jay, Managing Director for International Strategy at OpenAI, noted that AI adoption in India has tripled year-over-year, driven by the country's young and tech-savvy population. He emphasized that India's developers and businesses are actively deploying AI technologies, leading to product innovations. OpenAI is set to open its first India office in New Delhi later this year, reaffirming its commitment to supporting India's expanding AI ecosystem.
The CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit 2025 served as a platform to showcase India's economic resilience, growth potential, and innovative spirit. Discussions centered on leveraging "The India Advantage" across various sectors, while also addressing challenges and ensuring a safe and inclusive financial ecosystem.
