Global Leaders Hail India’s Economic Transformation
As the sun set over New Delhi, business leaders from around the world gathered at the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025. The air buzzed with discussions about India’s remarkable transformation—a country once seen as a developing economy now emerging as a global force in AI, green energy, and tourism.
“India’s young and dynamic workforce represents a formidable talent pool.”
– Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General
Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, took the stage, her voice filled with admiration. “India’s young and dynamic workforce, with over 65% of its 1.4 billion citizens under the age of 35, represents a formidable talent pool,” she said. “The AI economy is expected to add $16 trillion to the global economy by 2030, and India’s growth in AI can contribute significantly to that transformation.” She also praised the country’s leadership in climate action, highlighting the International Solar Alliance as a game-changer in renewable energy.
In the audience, Cameron Adams, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Canva, listened intently. When his turn came, he shared Canva’s journey in India. “India is currently our fourth-largest market,” he revealed, “and we’re focusing on hyperlocal features like a Hindi-language website and one-day subscription models designed specifically for Indian users.” AI and localisation strategies had played a key role in Canva’s success in India, making design more accessible to millions.
“India is the future of the world.”
– Álvaro S. Pereira, Chief Economist, OECD
The conversation then shifted to India’s economic potential. Álvaro S. Pereira, Chief Economist & G20 Finance Deputy at the OECD, spoke with conviction. “India is the future of the world,” he declared. He emphasized that reforms in education, infrastructure, and financial markets could lift millions out of poverty and strengthen the middle class. “India’s progress is not just about numbers—it’s about people, about opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, was thrilled about India’s booming travel industry. “India’s GDP growth and infrastructure expansion are driving an unprecedented travel boom,” he said, noting how Agoda was capitalizing on rising inbound and outbound tourism. He also saw spiritual tourism as a unique opportunity. “Spiritual tourism aligns well with our customers in Southeast Asia,” he remarked. “However, the challenge is bringing something traditionally offline into the digital space.”
“India’s GDP growth and infrastructure expansion are driving an unprecedented travel boom.” – Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda
As the summit drew to a close, one thing was clear: India was no longer just a rising star—it was a global powerhouse. With innovation, digital transformation, and a focus on sustainability, the country was shaping the future of the world economy. And for those in the room, the message was undeniable—India was a force no one could ignore.
