India on path to global leadership, says Chandrababu Naidu at ET World Leaders Forum

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said India was moving towards becoming the world’s leading nation by 2047, backed by reforms, technology, and demographics. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum (ET WLF), Naidu stressed that the country’s progress cannot be halted despite temporary setbacks.

Naidu said India must focus on building its own global brands instead of depending on those developed abroad. “We are not producing brands, we are using brands globally but not contributing in making,” he noted.

Reflecting on his political journey, the TDP chief recalled serving both as the CM and in Opposition. “I worked the longest as Andhra CM. I also worked as Opposition. I know the role of opposition and government both,” he said.


Naidu underlined that despite challenges such as the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, he remained committed to India’s growth. “We are all in inspiring time. I had setbacks. One is bifurcation,” he remarked.

On India’s future prospects, Naidu said the country has unique advantages. “India has advantages—1991 economic reforms, first mover IT advantage, and demographic advantage,” he said.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Naidu said the convergence of timing, circumstances, and leadership is driving India’s momentum. “Right time, right place and right leader—that is PM Modi,” he observed.

He further asserted that India’s strength would prevail globally. “Power of India cannot be stopped. Setbacks are temporarily,” he said, while commenting on global trade challenges, including tariffs by the US.

Naidu also said India has achieved a level of equity surpassing the US and China. At the same time, he emphasised that inclusive growth and welfare must remain central to India’s development path. “In a democratic or communist country, welfare is a must. We are watching India. The India we want to see in future is inclusive,” he said, while responding to questions on subsidies and freebies.