New Delhi: At the launch of TIME100 Next India, the first-ever international expansion of the TIME100 Next franchise in New York, Nita Ambani proudly declared, “India’s time has come.”
As chairperson and founder of the Reliance Foundation, Ambani, while speaking at the TIME100 Summit in New York this week, highlighted India’s rising global role.
“The world doesn’t need more hard power. It needs soft power — and that’s what India represents,” she told Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME Magazine.
“The world needs a power that can heal, a power that is compassionate, that wants to unite, rather than divide. And I feel, India is that soft power,” the billionaire philanthropist added.
She went on to say that India has a legacy of more than 5000 years, where spirituality, yoga, and technology have contributed to the global world.
The TIME100 Next India, in partnership with Reliance Industries, will spotlight 100 emerging Indian leaders across sectors, culminating in both an editorial list and a gala event for December 2026.
Touching on the partnership between the Indian conglomerate and the magazine, Ambani said, “At Reliance, we’re committed to building India’s future by empowering the next generation of talent, ideas, and leadership.”
“It has always been our vision to bring the best of the world to India and the best of India to the world,” she added.
The internet, however, had a mixed reaction to Ambani’s statement.
With one Instagram user commenting, “It’s unbelievable how the foreigners are eating this up.”
Another wrote, “Come on, you sitting in your billion-dollar house with 100 people serving you. Of course, you’d say India’s time has come. Get out of your balloon and see what atrocities common people are going through almost on a daily basis, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, and other marginalised communities. You are privileged to make the best out of it to help people rather than spending billions on stupid weddings.”
While others praised Ambani. “Such confidence and sparkle in the eyes is seen in very few people,” read one comment.
Another user said, “No one can stop India.”
She also dubbed India a global fashion capital. And spoke of the county’s rich textile tradition and the artisans who keep these skills alive.
The Mumbaikar wore a tribal lore saree by her brand, Swadesh. The Jamdani saree reportedly took 24 months to complete. It was woven in West Bengal by Padma Shri awardee Biren Kumar Basak. The cream-coloured saree featured meenakari work and was decorated with colourful motifs.