Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, voiced strong optimism regarding India’s transformation into a developed nation by the year 2047. Speaking at the BT MindRush 2025 event, Birla highlighted the country’s steady economic growth, bolstered by political stability and large-scale infrastructure investment. He emphasized that India is well-positioned to fulfill the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ an ambitious initiative championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Economic Growth Sets India Apart on Global Stage
Birla stressed that India is currently one of the very few large economies in the world maintaining an annual growth rate of 6-8 percent. This sustained growth, he noted, stands as a testament to the country’s strong economic fundamentals and strategic planning. “We are truly on a remarkable journey,” he said, adding that India’s performance is being acknowledged and appreciated across global forums.
A Renewed Sense of National Pride
Reflecting on India’s standing in the world, Birla remarked that there is a renewed sense of pride in being Indian today. “It’s our time in the sun,” he said, explaining that the world now views India as a rising powerhouse. According to him, this growing recognition is both energizing and rewarding, instilling confidence in the country’s developmental direction.
Government’s Role in Building the Foundation
The industrialist applauded the government for its unwavering policy direction and substantial efforts in building infrastructure. He commended the leadership for promoting consistency in governance, which he believes has been key in attracting investment and driving long-term economic progress. Birla acknowledged that the scale of infrastructure development today marks a significant departure from the past, where such investments were lacking.
Common Global Challenges, Not Just Indian Hurdles
Birla also pointed out that many of the economic and environmental issues faced by India are not unique to the country. These are, in fact, shared by numerous other economies worldwide. He encouraged a broader perspective, suggesting that solutions to global problems require cooperation and innovation rather than isolation. Climate change, for example, is one such universal concern, and India is actively participating in global dialogues to address it.
Minimal Exposure to Tariff Risks in the US
Speaking on concerns surrounding potential tariff implementations under a possible Donald Trump presidency in the US, Birla expressed little worry for his group’s American operations. He explained that the Aditya Birla Group’s businesses in the US are largely self-reliant, serving local customers without significant dependency on imports or exports. Therefore, any tariff-related disruptions would have limited impact on their operations.
Strategic Business Expansion, Not Driven by Ego
Birla emphasized that business expansion for the Aditya Birla Group is always rooted in strategic reasoning rather than vanity. He dismissed the notion of engaging in aggressive acquisitions purely for prestige, stating that each investment or acquisition made by the group is guided by clear business logic and long-term benefits. The goal, he affirmed, is always to become a market leader in any segment the group enters.
Accelerated Growth in the Paints Sector
Illustrating the group’s latest ventures, Birla spoke about their rapid progress in the paints industry. Leveraging synergies with their white cement distribution network, the group has successfully commissioned five manufacturing plants within a span of nine months, with a sixth one set to launch soon. This expansion gives the Aditya Birla Group control over nearly 40% of the Indian paint manufacturing capacity an achievement that traditionally took competitors decades to build.