ET Awards: I believe that one of my missions in life must be to help people around the world better understand India, says American journalist Fareed Zakaria

India has a unique opportunity to become a pivotal player on the global stage, according to Fareed Zakaria, India-born American journalist, political commentator and author.

Speaking to the audience at the ET Awards for Corporate Excellence in Mumbai on Saturday, Zakaria said as a rising economic power, India is critical to the West for strategic reasons while remaining well-regarded and connected with the Global South.

With its storied reputation as a democracy, a leader of the developing world and a staunch believer in democratic norms and values, India stands at a turning point. "It can leverage all these strengths into broad influence in the world, which will help India economically, position it well strategically and help move the world to greater stability, prosperity and freedom. I believe that is India's destiny," said Zakaria, who was honoured with the Global Indian of the Year Award for his work in the field of journalism and world political and geopolitical reporting.

The recognition carried personal significance as well, given his mother's nearly two-decade tenure with the Times of India Group.