Davos diary: India’s business barons have stormed the Swiss resort town for WEF’s marquee event. The timing is perfect as global leaders seek stability in choppy waters.
Leading the pack: Mukesh Ambani, whose empire spans telecom to retail; Gautam Adani, infra kingpin; and a slew of unicorn founders. Ministers handling commerce, finance, and external affairs complete the lineup.
The forum’s trust theme resonates with India’s social contract – from Jan Dhan to vaccine equity reaching 2 billion doses. Panels galore on deglobalization, with India pitching friendshoring.
Key highlights: Ambani unveiling metaverse visions, Adani detailing airport expansions serving 500 million passengers. Expect chatter on India’s $5 trillion economy goal by 2027.
Global CEOs from Google, Microsoft court Indian talent, while sovereign funds eye real estate, pharma buys. India’s outbound M&A hits $30 billion yearly.
Davos doubles as a schmooze-fest: think fireside chats over fondue, spa diplomacy. India’s soft power – yoga sessions, Bollywood premieres – adds flavor.
Hot topics: Quantum computing where India launches missions; space economy post-Chandrayaan; blockchain for supply chains.
Amid Fed rate cuts and China’s slowdown, India’s 6.8% growth forecast dazzles. RBI’s prudent policy earns IMF plaudits.
Past Davos wins: $16 billion FDI pledges in 2023. This year, semiconductor fabs and data centers top wishlist.
As the congress hall fills with sharp suits, India’s message rings clear: opportunity knocks in the world’s fastest-expanding major economy. Deals await signatures.