Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India, Anil Razdan, former Power Secretary and Bhaskar Chatterjee, Sr, Advisor, Deloitte India, Dua Consulting and Centre for Responsible Business, inaugurating the 15th Edition of India Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Summit & Awards organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi on Wednesday, March,12,2025.
Industry Leaders and Policymakers Converge to Drive Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices
New Delhi, March 12, 2025: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully hosted the 15th edition of the India Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Summit & Awards at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi, as part of its Centenary Celebrations. The event brought together distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability champions to discuss the evolving landscape of corporate governance and sustainability in India.
The summit featured distinguished dignitaries, including Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, as the Chief Guest; Anil Razdan, Former Power Secretary, Government of India; Mr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Sr, Advisor, Deloitte India, Dua Consulting and Centre for Responsible Business. With India emerging as a global leader in sustainable growth, the discussions at the summit underscored the critical need for businesses to embrace governance models that balance economic expansion with environmental and social responsibility. Along with it they also released a knowledge document on “Next -generation Fuels”.
Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India echoed this sentiment, emphasising the collaborative efforts required to drive India’s sustainable growth narrative and said, “The program, organized today, focuses on how sustainability can be integrated into corporate governance and the importance it should be given. The key takeaway from today’s discussion is that organizations should minimize resource consumption, recycle, redesign, and remanufacture. By doing so, we can reduce overall consumption and make more efficient use of the natural resources available to us. This will ensure that future generations also have access to these resources. Corporate responsibility is not just about building a massive empire while everything around us remains underdeveloped. We must also consider the growth and development of our surroundings. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays a significant role in this regard. The evolution of corporate governance in India, from 1953 to the present, has now reached a stage where sustainability, transparency, shareholder interests, and independent directors have become integral aspects. New elements are continuously being incorporated into corporate governance, leading to increased efficiency, a greater impact on sustainability, and governance that is open, transparent, and ethical.”
In his keynote address, Mr. PK Satija, Chairperson of ICC – National Expert Committee on Minerals and Metals, emphasized the growing significance of corporate governance and sustainability in shaping India’s future. He stated, “Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is an imperative. Businesses must move beyond compliance to embrace governance models that prioritize environmental stewardship, ethical leadership, and social inclusivity. As corporate leaders, we have a duty to ensure that our economic aspirations align with India’s larger sustainability vision.”
Mr. Anil Razdan, Former Power Secretary, Government of India said, “Sustainability is not just about compliance with laws; it is about fulfilling our responsibility to future generations. As the most populous nation, India must take the lead in protecting the environment, conserving water, and ensuring cleaner air. Wealth and progress mean little if our air is unbreathable and our natural resources depleted. Businesses must go beyond statutory obligations and embrace a deeper commitment to sustainability. The younger generation is building not just for their lifetime but for the future of humanity. It is time we rethink our approach—balancing development with environmental responsibility—to create a truly sustainable and thriving world.”
Adding to it, Mr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Sr, Advisor, Deloitte India, Dua Consulting and Centre for Responsible Business said, “Corporate governance and sustainability are inextricably linked, reflecting the evolving nature of responsible management. As companies are increasingly held accountable for both their ethical and environmental impact, governance has evolved from mere compliance to a more holistic approach. Responsible management, grounded in financial probity, transparency, and accountability, ensures that decisions are not only legally sound but ethically responsible. Corporate governance and sustainability aren’t separate goals but rather two sides of the same coin. Together, they drive responsible business practices that foster long-term growth and societal well-being.”
Mr. Omesh Garga, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Partner, EY India said, “Organizations that embed safety, compliance, and innovation into their culture don’t just protect value—they create it. The industry today demands not just adherence to regulations but a commitment to excellence that transforms challenges into competitive advantages. Ultimately, innovation isn’t limited by technology, but by the depth of collaboration. As leaders, it is our responsibility to drive this cultural shift, ensuring that sustainability and governance become cornerstones of long-term success.”
The event also recognized industry pioneers who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to corporate governance and sustainability through the Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Awards, conferred by ICC. The summit focused on key themes, including the Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Awards 2025, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and Board Oversight of Environmental Responsibilities, encouraging leaders to embed ESG principles into corporate strategy for long-term value creation. Additionally, discussions emphasized the importance of sustainability reporting, the role of regulatory frameworks such as SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), and the necessity of industry-government collaboration to drive India’s transition to a net-zero future.
The summit concluded with a strong consensus on the need for businesses to embed sustainability into their core operations. As India accelerates its journey toward becoming a net-zero economy, industry leaders emphasized the importance of innovation, responsible leadership, and collaborative action in achieving long-term sustainability goals.
