Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu underscored India’s rapid emergence as a global economic powerhouse during a CII special session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025. Speaking on Tuesday, Naidu highlighted that by 2027, India is projected to contribute the highest incremental GDP globally, cementing its position in the global economy.
“In the early 1990s, as the internet era began, India initiated economic reforms in 1991. From that point, we worked on second-generation reforms,” Naidu said. “Today, Indian entrepreneurs, especially from Andhra Pradesh, are making a global impact, leveraging advantages in technology, demographic strength, and entrepreneurial acumen. India is becoming one of the most widely accepted communities worldwide.”
He predicted India’s ascent, asserting, “By 2047, India will be either the world’s leading or second-largest economy. Indians will spearhead global wealth creation and contribute significantly to serving the international community.”
Expanding on Andhra Pradesh’s growth trajectory, N. Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons, introduced the state’s “Swarna Andhra Pradesh” vision for 2047. Based on the government’s 4P model—public, private, people, and partnerships—this initiative aims to boost economic growth and create jobs across diverse sectors.
As part of the event, Chief Minister Naidu also launched the CII Centre for Global Leadership on Competitiveness (GLC) alongside its brochure. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, called the initiative a milestone, stating, “This Global Leadership Centre in Amaravati aims to promote value-based leadership, improve corporate governance, and enhance global leadership competencies. We are proud to collaborate with the state government on this transformative effort.”
The industry-driven and managed GLC seeks to sharpen the competitive edge of industries within Andhra Pradesh and across India. In addition, an Exchange of Letter of Intent was signed between CII and Switzerland’s IMD Business School, marking a pioneering partnership with an international institution for the GLC.
The session also delved into India’s green energy potential, with a focus on transitioning toward sustainable practices. Titled “Pathway to India’s Green Industrialisation: From Green Hydrogen to Green Manufacturing,” the discussion was co-hosted by CII and Ernst & Young.
Reaffirming Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to sustainability, Naidu shared plans for the state to become a hub for green energy and green hydrogen. “We are dedicated to green industrialisation through renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing initiatives,” he said.
Rajiv Memani, President-designate of CII and Chairman of EY India, emphasized the importance of green energy in achieving India’s growth aspirations. He noted, “For India to reach its 2047 goals and increase per capita income five to six times, total energy consumption must expand to 370 billion gigajoules. Green energy will be essential not just to meet energy demands but also as a catalyst for economic growth.”
The discussions highlighted how India’s sustainability initiatives, paired with strategic reforms, can propel the country toward global economic leadership.
