First Day of ICC GBS Wraps Up with Insightful Discussions on India’s Expansive Opportunities

Mumbai, 19 September, 2025: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) inaugurated its Global Business Summit 2025 today at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai, under the theme “One Nation, Multiple Opportunities.” The event, coinciding with ICC’s centenary year, drew more than 1000 participants, from over 20 countries, including global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and industry visionaries.

Day One set the stage for the two-day summit with high-level plenary and concurrent sessions that examined India’s evolving role in the global economy, while underscoring the critical role of public-private partnerships and the private sector in driving innovation, investments and inclusive growth. The conversations highlighted how India can transform global uncertainties into engines of growth and collaboration, while showcasing opportunities across critical sectors such as green technology, financial services, infrastructure, manufacturing, and chemicals.

The inaugural plenary featured distinguished leaders including Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, who, in his virtual address, emphasized India’s infrastructure-driven economic vision and commitment to building a $5 trillion economy. Also addressing the gathering were Shri Rahul Narweker, Hon’ble Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; Shri Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra; H.E. Penn Sovicheat, Vice Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; and other eminent dignitaries.

President – ICC and Managing Director – Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said: “The Global Business Summit 2025 comes at a defining moment. As the world navigates geopolitical complexities, it also stands at the cusp of extraordinary opportunity. ‘One Nation, Multiple Opportunities’, the theme of this event, is not just a reflection of India’s vast potential, but a call to action for businesses to exercise bold thinking, inclusive leadership, and decisive action to harness these opportunities and translate them into lasting progress for our nation and the global community. Events like these serve as vital platforms to foster dialogue, build partnerships, and unlock pathways for innovation and sustainable growth.”

The day unfolded with dynamic sectoral dialogues including Green Tech & Energy, Financial Services & Fintech, Defence, Aero & Space, Metals & Minerals, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Water Management & Circular Economy Agriculture & Food, Health care & Pharma and Infrastructure & Manufacturing, which drew participation from experts and business leaders across India and abroad. From the future of clean energy and climate resilience to the transformation of India’s financial markets through AI and fintech, the sessions spotlighted both challenges and opportunities.

In addition to sectoral tracks, the Summit hosted high-level international dialogues with Greece, Italy, and the Middle East–EU bloc, highlighting India’s role as a hub for trade, investment, and innovation. Complementing this global focus, state-led sessions by Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat showcased investment opportunities and emerging trends in their respective regions, underlining the diversity of India’s growth story.

 Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC, noted, “As ICC celebrates its centenary, this summit is a testament to India’s ability to lead the discourse on sustainability, digital transformation, and global trade. The insights and commitments we’ve witnessed today reaffirm the chamber’s role in driving meaningful change across industries.”

Delegates also engaged in B2B networking opportunities, strengthening India’s linkages with international stakeholders. The day closed with a consensus that India’s demographic dividend, digital adoption, and proactive reforms position it as one of the most attractive destinations for investments and partnerships.

As the Summit moves into Day 2, discussions will focus on young business leadersstate government business opportunitiesCEO forumstechnology dialogues, and a legal & regulatory roundtable, promising another day of transformative dialogue.