The grand inauguration of India Today Conclave 2025 has just taken place. This prestigious two-day event features Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, heads of three armed forces, star cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, renowned actor Aamir Khan, along with numerous prominent industrialists, thinkers, artists, and athletes.
During the opening session, Arun Puri, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, delivered a welcoming address. In his speech, Puri mentioned that Donald Trump's new policies are shattering age-old norms of global politics and trade. Technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), is transforming our lives swiftly. India needs to leverage these changes and capitalize on its opportunities. Read Arun Puri's full speech below:
Esteemed guests,You are all welcomed to the 22nd India Today Conclave. This Conclave is occurring at a very opportune moment as we stand at a historical juncture.
As they say in cowboy films—the new sheriff is in town. And this isn't just any town, but America. The sheriff is Donald J. Trump.
America is the largest economy and the sole superpower globally. And Trump is pushing for better deals by keeping both friends and adversaries at gunpoint.
He aims to dismantle the world order established since 1945. He's utilizing trade as a weapon, claiming even America’s allies have shortchanged it. Trump's role is quirky. On one hand, he’s pulling America out of international agencies that offer no evident benefit, like the WHO and the Paris Agreement. On the other hand, he's dealing like a CEO of a multinational corporation, aspiring to make Canada the 51st state of the US, deliberating over purchasing the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Gaza.
He intends to end the Ukraine conflict by dealing directly with Russia, excluding Ukraine. Ukraine would simply grant America mining rights over its rare mineral resources in exchange for past aid. It's surprising how the aid previously given is now being transformed into debt, with no security assurances for Ukraine, which it desperately needs.
Trump doesn’t acknowledge the UN Charter, which advocates the respect of borders amongst countries. Rules of international trade, diplomatic protocols, and negotiation practices amongst nations are all evolving. The old order is crumbling, inviting a sort of anarchy. And all this has unraveled within just 47 days! It feels like geopolitics has become a reality TV show.
The coming times are set to be quite intriguing. An American journalist remarked, 'If this weren't my country, I'd be watching the show with popcorn!' Jokes aside, whatever America does, it has global consequences.
This year, our Conclave's theme is ‘The Age of Acceleration.’ Change isn’t just occurring; its pace is accelerating.
And Trump has validated this theme in such a short span! Thank you, Mr. President.
This year, we have former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joining us, who served alongside Trump for three years in his first term. He will share some fascinating insights about Trump's mind and work. Furthermore, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will join us live via satellite to discuss tariffs.
However, it's not just America; the entire world is witnessing profound changes. The most significant change is technology.
The computing power has advanced to a point where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every aspect of our lives, from offices to politics and ethics. We haven't yet concluded whether this is a boon or a bane. But one thing is certain: technology cannot be halted.
With figures like Elon Musk part of the Trump administration, there's talk about ‘techno-fascism,’ where technology controls everything in government and society.
The best path would be to regulate it properly while retaining its benefits. Predictions suggest AI might surpass human intelligence, termed as 'singularity.' This can be viewed with excitement or concern.
The biggest question is—if machines handle everything, what's left for humans to do? From where will the jobs originate? What would be the sources of income for people? If people earn nothing, what would they buy? And without purchasing power, how would the economy function?
Ironically, hairdressers might be the last to lose their jobs! At least, I'd never get a haircut from AI!
India has a golden chance to lead in AI advancements. Prime Minister Modi is aware of this, having launched a ₹10,300 crore 'India AI Mission.' AI pioneers like Sam Altman have also stated that India should spearhead the AI revolution.
The images behind me have been created by AI. Our Art Director Nilanjan Das crafted them. However, I must state that I wrote this speech myself, without any AI help!
Globalization won’t cease! Whether Trump desires it or not, globalization will persist. We are deeply intertwined in supply chains, telecommunications, and migration. Globalization has always been and will continue to be beneficial. It's believed that over 1 billion people have risen above poverty since 1960. America’s current stance might pose minor setbacks, but advancement is inevitable. Only international trade laws will undergo minor adjustments.
Other technologies reshaping and transforming the world include synthetic biology, involving gene splicing, and cryptocurrency, based on blockchain. The former will revolutionize healthcare, while the latter will change how economies are managed.
Both these technologies have surfaced due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). As for geopolitics, significant transformations are underway. America will no longer be the sole superpower as China emerges as a major challenger.
Today, America is a 'Diet Dictatorship,' a ‘lite’ monarch. China, on the other hand, is a full-fledged dictatorship. Trump and China's relations are peculiar—they're both adversaries and reliant on each other. If Trump forfeits a part of Ukraine to Russia, China might muster the courage to invade Taiwan. Trump's weakening of the Trans-Atlantic alliance might, paradoxically, have unified Europe. However, his cordiality with Putin is concerning.
This situation could be a golden opportunity for India. Both America and China are keen on maintaining good relations with India. PM Modi has managed Trump-like relations astutely. Prior to his US trip, Modi reduced tariffs on items dear to Trump's heart—like Harley Davidson motorcycles and bourbon whiskey. Modi’s been in key positions for 24 years, earning global respect—not unlike some ex-comedian or reality TV star!
An unintended yet essential impact of Trump’s policies could be the need to further open the Indian economy to the world, simplifying rules for foreign investments. We seem to thrive at our best during crises. And crises are something we never lack.
The biggest looming crisis is climate change, rapidly progressing and affecting everything and everyone. Here we have a President whose nation historically ranks as the largest polluter, yet he refuses to acknowledge this truth. If global actions aren’t unified, we’re leaving a dire legacy for future generations.
We must mention the historical success of the Mahakumbh within this Conclave, where 660 million people gathered over 45 days—it was the world’s largest congregation. This historic event was orchestrated by Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who will be our Guest of Honor tomorrow evening.
Dear friends, democracy thrives when those in power genuinely believe in democratic values. Systems of checks and balances only work when leaders respect these values.
Look at what Donald Trump is doing in a country with such robust institutions. He's weaponizing investigative agencies against adversaries, positioning loyalists in power. This time, he has no checks or guardianship against him.
Moreover, democracy survives when true and impartial information flows freely, acting as oxygen for democracy. Democracy is a dialogue between power and the people. And, for 22 years, the India Today Conclave has been a brilliant platform for this dialogue. So, dear friends, enjoy these discussions. And fasten your seatbelts because we are in The Age of Acceleration.
Thank you!
