‘India’s time has come’: Nita Ambani makes bold global pitch at TIME100 Summit
Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani made a striking statement on the global stage this week, declaring that “India’s time has come” — and hinting at a major shift in world power dynamics.
Speaking at the high-profile TIME100 Summit in New York, she joined Jessica Sibley for a candid Leadership Lens conversation that quickly turned heads.
‘Hard power is out, India’s soft power is in’
In a sharp take on global leadership, Ambani said the world no longer needs dominance through force.
“The world doesn’t need more hard power. It needs soft power,” she said — positioning India as the country best equipped to lead through culture, values, and influence.
She also redefined leadership itself, saying it must be driven by compassion and instinct, not authority.
Her saree took 2 years — and made a statement
It wasn’t just her words that grabbed attention. Ambani’s outfit became a talking point of its own.
She wore a stunning Jamdani saree by Swadesh, handcrafted over 24 months by Padma Shri awardee Biren Kumar Basak.
With intricate meenakari work and symbolic fish motifs, the saree subtly reinforced her message: India’s heritage is its global strength.
‘India is the new fashion capital’?
When asked to name a global fashion hub, Ambani didn’t hesitate: “India, with our weaves.”
The remark spotlighted India’s centuries-old textile traditions — and suggested a bold shift away from Western fashion dominance.
Big reveal: TIME100 Next India is coming
The biggest announcement came at the TIME100 Gala, where TIME unveiled TIME100 Next India in partnership with Reliance Industries.
The new list will honour 100 rising Indian leaders across industries — from business and science to arts and sports — including voices from the diaspora.
Mumbai set for star-studded global event
The inaugural TIME100 Next India Gala will be held in December 2026 at the iconic Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
With global attention now shifting toward India, this event could mark the beginning of a new power era — exactly what Nita Ambani hinted at.
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