I attended the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025 in New Delhi on Saturday, where global leaders gathered to share insights and explore new strategies for navigating an increasingly unstable world.
Addressing the shifting global economic landscape, India’s External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar cautioned against overdependence on any single country for supply chains, production, or markets — arguing that such reliance could undermine the foundation of a truly resilient economic power.
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi emphasised the deepening ties between India and Europe, calling for a more strategic and impactful partnership. Highlighting India’s technological capabilities, rising global influence, and cultural richness, Renzi urged both regions to move beyond superficial diplomacy — from mere "melody" to resonant "music" in bilateral engagement.
Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman of PwC, struck an optimistic note amid global trade tensions. "Despite current challenges around tariffs and trade, we’re on the brink of a new wave of innovation," he said. "Growth may appear stagnant in familiar sectors, but fresh opportunities are emerging through innovation."
Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder & Executive Chairman of S4 Capital, outlined the key geopolitical risks shaping global markets: strained US-China relations, the ongoing conflict involving Russia, and tensions with Iran. “Add tariffs to the mix, and the level of uncertainty grows exponentially,” he noted.
Christopher Wood, Global Head of Equity Strategy at Jefferies, praised the robust performance of India’s domestic asset management sector, while
Jonathan Ross, Founder & CEO of Groq, pointed out that three of the top ten tech companies in the U.S. are currently led by Indian-origin CEOs—a testament to India’s global tech leadership.
A variety of influential voices also featured across WLF’s themed sessions.
Rajat Taneja, President of Technology at Visa contributed to a discussion titled The Battle for the Last Click: Payments in a Platform Age. Meanwhile,
Pradeep Parameswaran, Global Head of Mobility at Uber, spoke during the Rewiring Urban India: Mobility, Access session, and
designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee shared insights on heritage and identity in The Fabric of Identity: Craft, Culture, and Fashion. Other notable speakers include
Gautam Singhania, Chairman of Raymond Group, and
Vishal Sikka, Founder & CEO, Vianai Systems.
