Veteran banker and Kotak Mahindra Bank founder Uday Kotak on Tuesday urged India Inc to step out of its “comfort zone” and prepare for a fast-changing global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, power struggles, and economic uncertainty. Speaking at the annual summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kotak said Indian businesses must think more strategically in what he described as an increasingly “tribal” world, where nations with stronger control over assets and technology would hold greater influence.

He emphasized that companies should not rely solely on the government for solutions, but instead reflect on how they can contribute to national growth. “Rather than focusing on what the country should do for us, we should ask what we can do for the country,” Kotak said, encouraging industry leaders to become more resilient and self-reliant.

Kotak warned that the global order may be entering a period of lasting structural change rather than temporary disruptions. Referring to the post-World War II era, he said people have grown accustomed to believing that every crisis eventually settles back into normalcy, but current developments suggest the possibility of a deeper transformation. According to him, the world is moving toward a form of “tribalism” where raw power, strategic assets, and technological dominance are becoming central to global influence. He pointed out that countries with strong balance sheets and globally competitive corporations are likely to lead the future economic order.

Using the United States as an example, Kotak said America’s strength lies not just in the dollar’s reserve currency status but also in the dominance of its global technology giants. He noted that modern life has become heavily dependent on products and services offered by companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and WhatsApp.

Kotak also called for greater innovation and “creative destruction” within India’s economy instead of excessive protectionism. Drawing references from Hindu mythology, he remarked that India needs more creators and disruptors rather than only preservers, warning that overprotection could slow progress.

On the energy front, he stressed the need for faster reforms and quicker adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicles. Comparing India with China, Kotak highlighted that nearly 60 percent of vehicles sold in China are electric, while India’s share remains close to 3 percent. He further cautioned against prioritizing the protection of individual businesses over national interests, saying the focus should shift toward strengthening the country as a whole.

Kotak also expressed concern about India’s vulnerability to external economic shocks, especially rising crude oil prices and volatile foreign investments. While India’s current account deficit has narrowed to around 1 percent of GDP, he warned that oil prices climbing to USD 100 per barrel could significantly widen the gap. Describing the current global environment as “hostile” and unpredictable, Kotak said India must prepare itself with stronger economic fundamentals, strategic planning, and energy security measures. He concluded by urging the country to balance optimism with realism and use the present moment to shape a stronger future.