India is racing ahead amid global slowdown but must build self-reliance in key sectors, says Mukesh Ambani

“Today, we pledge to our PM that we are even more determined to do better, make India prouder and PDEU greater in the years to come,” he said.

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Thursday said India is 'sprinting ahead' of a slowing global economy and must become self-reliant in critical technologies and industries to secure its future growth.

Speaking at the 13th convocation of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), where he is the President of the university’s governing body, Ambani contrasted India’s growth momentum with global headwinds.

“The global economy is growing at less than 2 percent, and India is sprinting ahead at nearly 8 percent,” he said. “There is erosion of confidence all around, but India is bubbling with growth and self-confidence.”

Referring to rising geopolitical uncertainties, Ambani said these had created 'certain challenges' for India’s future progress and underlined the need to reduce dependence on foreign technology and supply chains.

“India must become self-reliant and atmanirbhar in critical technologies and industries,” he said, calling it essential to protect and accelerate the country’s growth trajectory.

In a direct message to students, researchers and faculty, Ambani urged the university to aim for global leadership in emerging sectors. “Today, I want to ask all of you here, the students, researchers and teachers, are we ready to make PDEU one of the best universities on green energy, green material, green economy and all endeavours that we take?” he said. “I believe in each and every one of you. I believe in you because the greatest source of energy in the world is the energy of our patriotic youth, and India is a young country.”

Ambani also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pledged that the university and its stakeholders would aim higher in the coming years.

"Decades ago India was talking about a vibrant Gujarat, now the world is talking about a vibrant India," Ambani said adding that, "Years ago, I made a promise to PM Modi. Looking at you today, I think we have fulfilled that promise."

Ambani also said India must now aim to outperform global powers by building world-class universities and leadership in frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, new energy such as nuclear fusion, space, biotechnology and life sciences.

Citing the rise of the US, Europe, Japan and China, Ambani said “now it is India’s turn … and we should do better than all the rest,” adding that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, “Bharat jeetega, Bharat aage badhega, Bharat duniya ko badalega.”

“Today, we pledge to our PM that we are even more determined to do better, make India prouder and PDEU greater in the years to come,” he said.