CNBC‑TV18 Global Leadership Summit 2025

CNBC‑TV18 Global Leadership Summit 2025

On 7 November 2025, CNBC-TV18 hosted its second edition of the flagship event, the Global Leadership Summit in Mumbai, under the theme “The India Advantage”. The summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, startup founders, economists, technologists and cultural icons to explore how India is emerging as a key player in the global economic and innovation landscape. 

Venue & Organising Body

The summit was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.  CNBC-TV18, India’s leading English business news channel, which has built a 26-year legacy, organised the event. 

Theme & Purpose

The overarching theme, “The India Advantage”, reflected India’s growing significance in global growth, innovation, capital flows and the digital economy. Speakers and panelists discussed India’s role in sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, markets, startups, real-estate, trade and infrastructure. The purpose was to bring influential voices together to map out the opportunities and challenges of India’s next decade of growth.

Key Sessions & Highlights

Some of the notable moments from the summit included:

• Opening address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18, who reflected on the channel’s journey and digital expansion. 

• A keynote by Tuhin Kanta Pandey (Chairperson, SEBI) who highlighted India’s growth, resilience and the rising participation in capital markets. 

• Fireside chat with Dr V. Anantha Nageswaran (Chief Economic Adviser) titled “The Growth Map: Where Is The Light At The End Of The Tunnel?” where he noted India’s GDP approaching ~7 % driven by private capex and FDI inflows. 

• Panel on “Embedded Intelligence: From Operations to Opportunity” featuring discussion on AI’s role in business by global participants. 

• A session with cultural icons — e.g., Deepika Padukone and Sabyasachi Mukherjee — titled “Crafting Legacy & The Global Canvas of Brand India”, highlighting how Indian creativity is making global impact. 

• Recognition of icons: Shaktikanta Das (currently Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and former RBI Governor) and Dr Prathap C. Reddy (Founder & Chairman of Apollo Hospitals) were honoured as “Icons of Excellence of the Indian Economy”.

Key Takeaways: The India Advantage

Based on discussions at the summit, here are some of the major takeaways:

• Growth Momentum: India’s GDP growth nearing 7% driven by private investment and foreign inflows. The next phase will depend on competitiveness and integration into global value chains.

• Capital Markets & Economic Inclusion: The rise of mutual funds, broader investor participation and policy-maker emphasis on balancing industry and investor interests.

• Technology & AI: India is positioning itself as a hub for innovation. Officials emphasised responsible governance of AI while promoting experimentation.

• Global Talent & Brand India: Indian creative industries, global personalities and the “Brand India” narrative are increasingly visible on the global stage.

• Infrastructure & State-Level Development: In the Maharashtra context (host state), plans worth over Rs. 4 lakh crore for infrastructure transformation were outlined. 

Why It Matters

This summit matters for several reasons:

• It signals how India is no longer a niche market but a major node in global strategy — for business, innovation, capital and culture.

• It provides a platform for cross-sector dialogue (finance, tech, culture, government) which is necessary as India transitions from growth to scale.

• For corporate and startup leaders, the discussions serve as a barometer of policy direction and market sentiment.

• From a branding standpoint, it reinforces that “India” is not only about manufacturing/outsourcing but increasingly about design, creativity, AI and global leadership.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

As India embraces its “advantage”, the following indicators will be crucial:

• How effectively India captures global value chains, especially in manufacturing, semiconductors and EVs.

• The pace at which capital markets deepen, retail participation rises and regulatory frameworks adapt.

• How India shapes AI and technology governance while also harnessing innovation — balancing scale, speed and responsibility.

• The rise of regional hubs and states — beyond national conversation — as engines of growth and infrastructure.

• How India’s soft power and brand continue to grow globally: in culture, design, media and technology.

Conclusion

The CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit 2025 under the theme “The India Advantage” did more than just bring people together — it painted a roadmap for India’s next chapter. The combination of strong macro momentum, evolving technology, increased global interest and rising domestic participation gives India a unique advantage. But with that come challenges: the need for execution, governance, inclusivity and global integration.

For business leaders, policymakers and thinkers alike, the summit offered both inspiration and a clear call to action: India’s moment is here, and the world is watching.