Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has stated that India is emerging as a reliable partner in the global value chain and a stable anchor in a volatile world. He made this statement while addressing the CII-ITC sustainability awards function in New Delhi. Dhankhar emphasized that India is on the right path to becoming a trusted economy, with a development paradigm that seeks to harmonize the economy, ecology, and ethics. He highlighted India’s sustainable development credentials, mentioning that the country is home to one-sixth of humanity and is the world’s fourth-largest economy.
The Vice-President exhorted Indian industry to invest in renewable energy, green hydrogen, circular economy models, and carbon markets, and to treat sustainability as a source of competitive advantage rather than just a compliance issue. He also emphasized the need for the industry to take the lead in research and development and invest in indigenous design. Dhankhar pointed out that nearly two-thirds of India’s population is below the age of 35, and that the corporates have a duty to channelize this demographic dividend in the right direction by focusing on skilling the youth.
Dhankhar urged industry leaders to work closely with academia, training institutes, and the government to design future-ready curricula. He also exhorted India Inc. to expand its global presence, not just in markets, but in ideas, standards, and solutions, and to build ‘Brand India’ on four pillars – quality, trust, innovation, and ancient wisdom reimagined for modern relevance. Additionally, he urged industry leaders to fund projects in the health and education sectors through their CSR initiatives, and to reflect on the commercialization and commodification of these vital segments.
The Vice-President’s statement comes at a time when the world is facing turbulence and supply chain disruptions. He emphasized that India is a prominent voice in the global scenario, and that the country’s participation is crucial for the success of the global 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Overall, Dhankhar’s statement emphasizes the need for India to emerge as a reliable partner in the global value chain, and for the industry to play a lead role in achieving sustainable development and skilling the youth. With the government taking innovative steps, the industry must work closely with the government, academia, and training institutes to achieve tangible success.