ET World Leaders Forum 2025: PM Modi's self-reliance call is paying off amid global shifts, says Satyan Gajwani

The world is seeing a shift in geopolitical alignments, making Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for strategic autonomy and self-reliance increasingly relevant in today's uncertain environment, said Satyan Gajwani, chairman of Times Internet, saluting him for refusing to bow in the face of opportunistic tactics and arm-twisting on the global stage.

"If we sit here in silence and listen deeply, we might just be able to hear the great wheels of historic global alignments turning. Long-held assumptions and friendships all deserve careful re-evaluation," he said, urging countries to re-assess alliances amid surging global instability. "I am so glad that we are with the one world leader who has refused to bow... even as far too many leaders around the world have chosen to play ball, even at the cost of national pride," he said at the event.

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Globally, most markets are seeing growing tensions over trade policy and global supply chains, which historically ensured shared prosperity for the developed and developing worlds but cannot be taken as a given anymore. India, however, is continuing to move forward as a sovereign, self-reliant and assertive nation.

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"PM Modi has been championing this idea for years," Gajwani added, referring to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, which has gained importance amid supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and shifting power dynamics. "It's now clearer than ever that global cooperation must go hand in hand with national aspiration and assertion. One cannot come at the cost of another."

The session, attended by top global and Indian executives and policymakers, pointed to India's longer-term trajectory, as the country stands on the cusp of becoming the world's third-largest economy. That's largely driven by the strength of India's domestic market and human capital as well as the success of the country's scientists, CEOs and entrepreneurs in the global sphere.

"These are strengths that don't wash away with the tides of history. India ticks all the boxes: Talent, Infrastructure, Community and Knowledge," he said, reiterating the "TICK" framework he'd introduced at last year's event. "This is a time to discover our hidden strengths and usher in reforms. They will unleash the wild spirits within us."

Gajwani also referenced the recent "unpardonable attack" in Pahalgam by Pakistan and applauded Operation Sindoor, underpinning a strategic shift in India's security stance. "Under Prime Minister Modi's decisive leadership, we not only gave a fitting reply, but also effected a reset (on) how India will respond to any such provocations in the future."

The Indian government will soon introduce a wave of economic reforms, including a revamp of the goods and services tax (GST), a move seen as critical to improving the ease of doing business and attracting foreign investment by pushing consumption and bolstering growth. India's burgeoning middle class - now one of the largest in the world, and its scale as a domestic market that can dwarf continents-serves as a competitive advantage.

"This is our moment to believe -in our history, in our people, in our capacity to adapt, to innovate and to thrive," he said, setting the stage for PM Modi's keynote address that outlined his administration's economic priorities for the next phase of India's development.