Gautam Adani Urges India to Pursue Economic Independence Through Resource Sovereignty and Resist External Pressures

Gautam Adani recently issued a strong caution against what he termed "narrative colonisation" in his address.

New Delhi:

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani emphasized on Tuesday that India must chart its own development course and stand firm against external influences.

During his speech at IIT (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad's centenary celebrations, Adani highlighted that national sovereignty in the 21st century will be determined by a country's control over its natural resources and energy systems.

"Master the resources below our feet, and master the energy that fuels our rise," stated Gautam Adani, describing these as the fundamental pillars of India's economic independence.

The business leader stressed the importance of resisting outside pressures that attempt to dictate India's development priorities, advocating instead for decisions based solely on national interests.

"If we do not control our own narrative, our aspirations will be delegitimised and our right to improve our standard of living portrayed as a global offence," Adani remarked.

He further warned about "narrative colonisation," pointing out that nations historically responsible for emissions are now trying to influence how developing countries pursue economic growth.

Referring to global statistics, Adani noted that India remains among the world's lowest per-capita carbon emitters while achieving more than 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity ahead of schedule.

The industrialist criticized attempts to diminish India's sustainability achievements without considering per-capita metrics or historical responsibility, reflecting biases in global ESG frameworks.

Adani characterized the current period as India's "Second Freedom Struggle" – this time focused on economic and resource sovereignty – asserting that mining, minerals, and earth sciences would shape India's future capabilities.

"People may call mining the old economy. But without it, there is no new economy."

He also highlighted IIT Dhanbad's historical significance, noting it was conceived during British rule when the Indian National Congress recommended establishing an institute for building India's critical capabilities in mining and geology.

The Adani Group Chairman explained this vision demonstrated a profound understanding that national progress requires mastering the resources within one's territory, while announcing two initiatives for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad: an annual program offering 50 paid internships with pre-placement opportunities, and the Adani 3S Mining Excellence Centre in collaboration with TEXMiN, featuring metaverse labs, drone fleets, seismic sensing systems and precision mining technologies.

Adani encouraged students to "dream fearlessly, act relentlessly," embrace innovation, and contribute to building a confident, self-reliant India by becoming "custodians of the core" who develop India's sovereign capabilities.

(Disclaimer: New Delhi Television is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.)