Bharti Group Chairman Sunil Mittal has called on Indian industry leaders to adopt an “India-first” mindset, urging businesses to rise above individual and sectoral interests to help shape the nation’s economic future. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Mr. Mittal laid out a roadmap anchored in talent development, R&D investment, trade reset, and a deeper collaboration between industry and government.
As India nears its milestone of becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Mr. Mittal emphasized that industry must earn the trust of all stakeholders by aligning corporate decisions with national priorities. He drew parallels to the Tata Group’s legacy of trust and integrity, urging companies to follow a similar path to earn public confidence.
R&D and talent development must take centre stage
Mr. Mittal stressed the urgent need to capitalize on India’s demographic dividend and expand investments in research and development. Noting that India currently spends less than one percent of its GDP on R&D, he termed this “woefully inadequate” for a nation of its size and ambition. He encouraged companies to move beyond seeking tax exemptions and instead invest in meaningful, deep-tech innovation that drives long-term growth.
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Reform in trade and tax policies is essential
The telecom veteran also advocated for a strategic reset in India’s approach to global trade. While expressing confidence that the government would safeguard industry interests in trade agreements, he cautioned businesses against lobbying for protectionist clauses that hinder Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Instead, he urged industry bodies to collaborate with policymakers to remove bottlenecks, simplify corporate tax frameworks, and advance ease of doing business initiatives.
Mr. Mittal also flagged the issue of long-pending litigations, pointing out that crores of rupees remain locked in regulatory disputes. He recommended leveraging mechanisms like ‘Vivad se Vishwas’ to unlock these funds and allow businesses to plan proactively.
Digital skills, trust, and inclusive growth
On the digital front, Mr. Mittal highlighted the growing role of Indian youth in the global workforce, supported by the proliferation of Global Capability Centres. He noted that India’s competitive advantage in digital services can be strengthened further through targeted skill development and workforce readiness. Amid discussions around private sector reservations, he pointed out that building a robust talent pipeline is the most effective way to meet both industry needs and social expectations.
Closing his address, Mr. Mittal reiterated that while the government has a responsibility to enable growth through progressive reforms, the onus lies on businesses to align with national goals, build trust, and commit to long-term value creation.
