India showcases global trade vision at ET World Leaders Forum 2025

By Admin

29 Aug, 2025

India’s rise as a global trade powerhouse was at the center of discussions at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, held on August 22–23, 2025, at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The two-day high-profile gathering brought together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, state leaders, international business icons, and industry stalwarts. Among the participants was Vinet K. Chadha, Managing Director of Combined Logistics Solutions, who witnessed how India is actively reshaping its trade and logistics ecosystem.

Export Ambitions and Self-Reliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s growing export strength, noting milestones such as agriculture exports crossing ₹4 lakh crore and Indian electric vehicles now reaching over 100 countries. He highlighted reforms in ports, shipping, and taxation initiatives designed to cut inefficiencies and make India a trusted global trade partner.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reinforced this vision by pointing to India’s defense sector, which has seen a 35-fold rise in exports over the past decade, reaching ₹23,622 crore across nearly 100 countries.

State leaders also showcased regional success stories. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reported exports worth ₹66,000 crore while maintaining fiscal discipline without resorting to new loans. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stressed the urgency of building strong global Indian brands and revealed ambitious plans to establish the nation’s first quantum computing facility by 2026.

Infrastructure: The Backbone of Growth

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the government’s aggressive push on infrastructure green highways, tunnels, ropeways, and clean fuel initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce logistics costs, which currently stand at around 10% of GDP, and improve last-mile connectivity. With strong public-private partnerships, these projects form the backbone of India’s $5 trillion economy vision.

Navigating Global Trade Uncertainty

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke about India’s ability to maintain strategic autonomy in critical sectors like energy and agriculture amid growing global protectionism. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal underlined reforms in regulatory frameworks, foreign direct investment (FDI), and balanced trade partnerships with key markets such as China and the EU to both protect domestic industries and enhance export competitiveness.

International voices added perspective. Sir Martin Sorrell highlighted the E7 economies’ rise beyond the G7, while Jefferies’ Christopher Wood called India “the best long-term stock market story.” John Kerry stressed India’s pivotal role in renewable energy, and Matteo Renzi echoed the importance of strengthening Europe–India trade ties.

Innovation and Opportunities

Speakers also spotlighted the role of technology and innovation in shaping India’s trade future. PwC’s Mohamed Kande and Times Internet’s Satyan Gajwani discussed digital trade, localization, and India’s T.I.C.K. strengths Talent, Infrastructure, Community, and Knowledge as the foundation for sustainable growth. David Steinbach of Hines emphasized that transparency and rule of law remain vital to attracting global investment.

The Road Ahead

The ET World Leaders Forum 2025 reaffirmed India’s trajectory as a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive trade hub. From record-breaking exports and quantum leaps in infrastructure to digital innovation and sustainable energy initiatives, the momentum is strong.

As Vinet K. Chadha of Combined Logistics Solutions noted, India’s transformation is being fueled by a powerful combination of national reforms, state-level innovation, and international collaboration. With this synergy, India is set to navigate global uncertainties and strengthen its position as a major economic force in the years to come.