Nita Ambani Emphasizes India's Rising Global Influence at TIME100 Summit

Nita Ambani took the stage at New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Center for the TIME100 Summit on Wednesday, April 22, where she spoke about India's expanding presence in global affairs and the evolving nature of leadership.

During a Leadership Lens conversation with TIME CEO Jessica Sibley, the Indian philanthropist and business executive reflected on themes of cultural reach, empathy, and what she sees as a pivotal moment for her nation. "India's time has come," she declared, underscoring the country's mounting influence worldwide.

Ambani articulated a vision for modern leadership that prioritizes connection over domination. "The world doesn't need more hard power. It needs soft power. And that's what India represents," she stated, positioning compassion and human-centered values as central to success in contemporary contexts.

Throughout the discussion, she emphasized leading through empathy and intuition rather than hierarchical control, presenting an approach grounded in personal connection and understanding.

The appearance also served as a showcase for Indian textile artistry. Ambani wore a Jamdani saree from Swadesh's Tribal Lore collection, a creation requiring 24 months of meticulous work. The piece was handwoven by Padma Shri awardee Biren Kumar Basak in West Bengal, incorporating intricate meenakari detailing, fish motifs symbolizing abundance, and a pallu adorned with ceremonial and natural imagery.

When asked to name her choice for a global fashion capital, Ambani answered without hesitation: "India, with our weaves," directing attention to the artisans preserving the nation's cultural legacy on the international stage.

The conversation also touched on her extensive involvement in education. Ambani discussed founding the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, drawing on her perspective as a parent to advocate for learning environments where children experience joy and inspiration.

Reflecting on what matters most to her, Ambani identified her family as her greatest source of pride, describing her children as "kind, compassionate, and hardworking." She concluded by naming the principle that guides her path forward: compassion.