Ambassador Dr Mohan Kumar, Former Diplomat, explains why President Putin’s state visit to India is a moment of huge geopolitical significance. With the world shifting from a unipolar to a multipolar order, India is asserting its independent foreign policy despite Western sanctions on Russia and tensions with the United States. Key priorities include de-risking exports by expanding opportunities in Russia—particularly in garments, shrimps, textiles, and pharmaceuticals—while also strengthening defence ties with potential full technology transfer and joint production of cutting-edge systems. All eyes will be on the visit’s outcome document, India’s body language, and the reactions from Washington and Europe, especially on Ukraine’s mention in the joint statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a landmark two-day visit to India, his first since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Arriving in Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, Putin will hold crucial talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade, defence, energy, healthcare, education, and cultural cooperation. Several major agreements are expected, even as India navigates with the US and the challenge of Trump-era tariffs and sanctions. Following a private dinner hosted by PM Modi, the visit carries significant economic and strategic stakes.Watch Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor Business Today in conversation with Jayant Krishna, Senior Fellow, CSIS and Ambassador Dr Mohan Kumar, Former Diplomat as they break down the business and economic stakes of this historic visit.
The Indian Rupee has breached the 90 mark, triggering intense debate across markets and industries. Is this a warning sign or a strategic advantage for India’s economy? In this discussion, experts highlight that a falling rupee cuts both ways — exporters gain competitiveness while import costs rise. However, the movement is largely driven by market forces, and once the US agreement is finalized, a reversal or stabilization may follow. Despite currency pressure, India continues to shine with quarterly GDP growth crossing 8%, a milestone achieved by very few global economies today. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, investor, or market watcher, this breakdown reveals why the narrative isn’t just about decline — it’s about opportunity.
In this insightful discussion, we explore whether the recent GST-driven surge in demand is sustainable and what it means for India’s growth trajectory. With ₹2.4 lakh crore returned to consumers, sectors like automobiles are witnessing record sales and strong momentum. While growth levels may normalize after the festival surge, the overall trend is expected to remain significantly higher than previous years. The conversation also delves into the private capex debate - why corporate India has been slow to invest in new capacity and whether that cycle is about to turn. As capacity utilization rises and demand stabilizes, a new wave of private investment may finally be on the horizon, complementing the government’s capex push and strengthening India’s global competitiveness.
In an exclusive conversation, Anant Goenka, President of FICCI, highlights the significance of President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India at a critical global geopolitical moment. Goenka underscores that India-Russia relations are time-tested, built on deep defense partnerships and decades of mutual support. While political ties are strong, he believes business potential remains vastly underutilized, with huge opportunities in pharma, IT, heavy engineering, and manufacturing. Goenka reveals that more than 100 Russian CEOs will accompany the delegation, meeting Indian industry leaders to explore new trade possibilities from both sides. He also indicates potential progress in labour and manpower exports to Russia, given Russia’s smaller workforce and large economy- an untapped opportunity that could reshape bilateral economic engagement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit is set to strengthen longstanding strategic ties between New Delhi and Moscow. Leading a high-level government and business delegation, the agenda focuses on enhancing cooperation in defence, energy and trade, while also advancing a key logistics pact known as ‘RELOS’ aimed at improving military mobility between the two nations. Discussions are expected to include a mobility agreement addressing skilled workforce access and smoother trade movement, alongside several significant defence-sector announcements. To unpack the implications of this crucial diplomatic engagement, Manish Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, joins Business Today’s Group Editor, Siddharth Zarabi, for an in-depth conversation.
India posted a stellar macro showing in Q2 FY26, with GDP rising 8.2% vs 7.8% QoQ, smashing estimates, while GVA came in strong at 8.1% versus 5.8% a year ago. Manufacturing surged 9.1% against 2.2% last year, and services expanded 9.2% versus 7.2%. Private consumption grew 7.9%, and gross fixed capital formation rose 7.3%, signalling resilient demand, though government consumption contracted 2.7%. Agriculture grew 3.5% and mining remained flat. For April–September, GDP increased 8.0% and nominal GDP 8.8%. The fiscal deficit touched 52.6% of the FY26 target by October, underscoring strong economic momentum. Watch Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, break down these blockbuster GDP numbers in conversation with Radhika Rao, ED & Senior Economist, DBS Bank, Singapore; Siddhartha Sanyal, Chief Economist, Bandhan Bank; and Rumki Majumdar, Economist, Deloitte
In this session, Rajeev Thakkar, CIO & Director of PPFAS Mutual Fund, provides practical guidance for new and experienced investors who often feel overwhelmed by the plethora of investment options. He stresses that the first and most important decision is asset allocation—how much to invest in equities, fixed income, overseas assets, precious metals, or real estate—before even choosing a specific mutual fund scheme. For equity investments, Thakkar recommends starting with diversified funds such as flexi-cap, multi-cap, or a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds, rather than getting caught up in thematic or sectoral funds, which are often more volatile and can underperform after hype-driven runs. He also cautions against over-allocating to small and mid-cap funds, noting that the majority of corporate profits in India are concentrated in large-cap companies. This video is essential for anyone looking to create a balanced, long-term investment portfolio without confusion.
In this exclusive discussion, Rajeev Thakkar, CIO & Director of PPFAS Mutual Fund, explains the Indian equity market’s performance over the past year and what it means for both new and seasoned investors. With the number of retail investors growing rapidly from pre-COVID levels of 4 crore demat accounts to nearly 20 crore today, many are experiencing a sideways market for the first time. Thakkar highlights the cyclical nature of equities, emphasizing that stock prices are ultimately driven by earnings. He also discusses why corporate profitability has been subdued despite strong GDP growth, citing intense competition and margin sacrifices across sectors. This video is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand long-term investment strategies in India and how to navigate periods of market stagnation.
As Samvat 2081 draws to a close, markets head into Diwali almost flat, With Sensex and Nifty up 0.1% each, while Bank Nifty gained 9%. Midcap and Smallcap indices fell 2% and 7.4%. Nifty Capital Markets surged 29%, Defence 18%, and PSU Banks 14%, while Media, IT, and Realty declined sharply. Top gainers included Eicher Motors, Bajaj Finance, BEL, and Maruti, while Trent, TCS, and Infosys led losers. Gold rose 55%, Silver 64%. Ahead Of Samvat 2082, Business Today TV brings an exclusive Diwali Special Market Masters with Rajeev Thakkar, CIO & Director PPFAS Mutual Fund in discussion with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today. Tune in for insights on sectors, trends, and festive investment strategies
The landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is being hailed as a “hugely important” breakthrough by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is on his first official visit to India since taking office. The deal slashes tariffs on 90% of UK product lines, with average duties dropping from 15% to 3%, while the UK eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian exports. Bilateral trade, currently at USD 56 billion, is projected to double by 2030, creating massive opportunities for sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, agriculture, whisky, gin, aerospace, and luxury cars. Starmer, leading the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation to India, described the FTA as “not just a piece of paper, but a launchpad for growth,” as both nations gear up for a new era of economic partnership under ‘Vision 2035’. In this discussion, we decode what the deal means for businesses, jobs, and future trade ties with Sanjay Nayar (President, ASSOCHAM), Jayant Krishna (Senior Fellow, CSIS; former Group CEO, UKIBC), and Professor K. Vijayraghavan (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research).
Dr. Robyn Klingler-Vidra, co-author of Startup Capitalism, Associate Professor in Political Economy and Entrepreneurship at King’s College London and Vice Dean for Global Engagement in an exclusive chat with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, brings her expertise on East Asia’s innovation strategies to the discussion, comparing India’s startup ecosystem with models in Japan, Korea, China, and beyond. The conversation explores how India’s entrepreneurial boom, fueled by Startup India and digital infrastructure, stacks up globally, and whether it can drive long-term economic growth. From Shark Tank India to China’s 996 and 007 work cultures, and from the role of government policy to lessons in AI and semiconductors, Dr. Vidra provides sharp, global perspectives. Joined by senior India Today editors and students of the India Today Media Institute, this engaging dialogue captures the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s future in the world of startups.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today and Business Today, Børge Brende, CEO and President, World Economic Forum discussed the current state of the US amid global and domestic challenges. While President Trump’s core agenda on peace in Ukraine remains unfulfilled and hostage releases by Hamas delayed, the US economy continues to grow robustly, surpassing European expectations. Inflation and immigration issues remain key focuses. On the international front, the Ukraine war’s end depends on Russia’s calculation, with Putin holding only partial territory. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza adds complexity, with unexpected developments surprising the U.S. administration. Despite these difficulties, the strong domestic economy and ongoing diplomatic efforts suggest the US still holds significant influence, though many outcomes remain uncertain. Listen in
In an exclusive conversation with India Today and Business Today, Børge Brende, CEO and President, World Economic Forum highlighted that while mixed signals may emerge from the Trump administration—friendly remarks from President Trump alongside disparaging comments from his team—these are temporary “hiccups” rather than a fundamental shift. He stressed the historic perspective of decades of growing cooperation, underscoring common strategic and economic interests that bind the two nations. With Indian talent deeply integrated into top U.S. companies and the diaspora’s vital role in America’s economy, bilateral ties have a strong foundation. Despite recent tensions, general public affinity between the two countries remains high. The warm exchanges between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump suggest normalcy will likely return with further breakthroughs ahead. Listen in
Jefferies Global Head of Equity Strategy Chris Wood joins us for a breakdown of what’s really driving India’s markets right now—foreign outflows vs. domestic SIP strength, valuation vs. equity-supply dynamics, earnings through-cycle, the policy pulse (GST, taxes, RBI), and how geopolitics and tariffs may reshape capital flows. We also dive into sectors beyond Financials & IT, whether AI is forcing a structural rethink in Indian IT services, and why his portfolio has tilted toward new-age consumption platforms, as well as his views gold, silver and bitcoin. If you invest in the Indian stock market - this one is a must-watch.
In an exclusive conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor of Business Today, Brahmani Nara, Executive Director of Heritage Foods, says the dairy sector remains largely unaffected by the 50% US tariff, noting the government’s firm support for Indian dairy farmers. On GST, she welcomes the rate rationalisation, highlighting that lower taxes will make nutritious products like ghee more affordable, boost consumer demand, and simplify compliance in this low-margin business.
In an exclusive conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor of Business Today, Brahmani Nara, ED, Heritage Foods discusses the company’s growth, innovation, and focus on the dairy sector. She says the industry remains largely unaffected by the 50% US tariff, emphasizing the government’s support for Indian dairy farmers. Nara highlights the proposed GST changes as a welcome move, making nutritious products like ghee more affordable and boosting volumes. She also talks about Heritage Foods’ premiumization strategy, value-added products, digital initiatives, and expansion plans, underscoring the company’s commitment to farmers, sustainability, and strengthening its presence across India.
India’s Q1FY26 GDP growth stunned analysts at 7.8%, the highest in five quarters, against 6.5% last year. In a panel discussion with Siddharth Zarabi on Business Today TV, experts broke down the surprise numbers. Radhika Rao highlighted robust GVA growth at 7.6%, beating expectations. Rumki Majumdar pointed to strong consumption, investment, and manufacturing, aided by record PMI readings. Madhavi Arora cautioned that temporary boosts like front-loaded government spending and low deflator effects inflated the headline, while weak corporate sales flagged underlying consumption stress. Overall, economists agreed this was a standout quarter, though sustainability will depend on future trends.
As India charts its journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision, states are expected to be the primary engines of that growth. Goa, India’s smallest state by area but among the richest by per capita income, is gearing up with its own developmental blueprint. In an exclusive conversation with Business Today’s Siddharth Zarabi, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant discusses how Goa is aligning itself with the national transformation agenda through sustainable mining, a diversified tourism model, digital expansion, and futuristic education reforms.
Tata Power delivered a robust performance in Q1FY26, reporting a 6% YoY rise in net profit to ₹1,262 crore—marking its 23rd consecutive quarter of PAT growth. Revenue stood at ₹17,464 crore, up 4% YoY, while EBITDA rose 17% to ₹3,930 crore. The Renewables segment posted a 95% jump in PAT to ₹531 crore. Rooftop solar revenues more than doubled to ₹823 crore with over 45,500 installations. TP Solar contributed ₹100 crore PAT, with 949 MW of modules and 904 MW of solar cells manufactured. T&D and Odisha Discoms posted strong growth, while cross-border power trade began via Bhutan’s Suchhu Hydro project. Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, speaks with Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power on the company’s Q1 results and future growth plans.
Ahead of the Business Today India@100 Summit 2025, Business Today TV presents an exclusive conversation as Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, speaks with Richard Rossow, Senior Adviser and Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics, Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). As India charts its course toward becoming a developed economy by 2047, Rossow shares deep insights on the Modi government’s reform trajectory, the pivotal role of Indian states, and the global dynamics shaping India’s economic future. From competitive federalism to trade policy, city governance to global supply chains, this conversation offers a strategic perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Part of Business Today’s India@100 initiative, this interview is a must-watch for anyone invested in India’s transformative journey toward global leadership. This year’s summit focuses on the theme – India@2047: Blueprint for a Developed Nation, aiming to map the opportunities and challenges India faces on its path to becoming a global economic powerhouse. Business Today India@100 Summit Friday, 8th August 2025 Venue – Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi
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