India Inc.'s Finest Honoured: NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards 2026

What Happened The NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards 2026 took place on July 26 in Mumbai, marking a significant return for the prestigious event after a 13-year hiatus. The ceremony served as a grand platform to recognize the individuals and organizations whose strategic decisions are currently shaping the trajectory of Indian enterprise and the nation's broader economic ambitions. The event brought together the who's who of corporate India, including industry titans, policymakers, and thought leaders, to reflect on the current state of the economy and the path forward for a nation striving for global prominence. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, serving as the Chief Guest, delivered a keynote address that contextualized the achievements of these business leaders within the framework of the country's economic journey. ## Key Details The awards recognized excellence across a diverse range of categories, reflecting the breadth of India's industrial landscape. Among the notable winners, Dilip Shanghvi, Executive Chairman of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., was honored as the India Business Icon, while Anish Shah, Group CEO and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group, was named Business Leader of the Year. In the public sector, Capt. Jagmohan, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, received the Business Leader of the Year - PSU award, and the State Bank of India, represented by Chairman C.S. Setty, was named Financial Powerhouse of the Year - PSU. Other significant winners included Godrej Properties as the Green Champion of the Year, Falguni Nayar of Nykaa as the Trailblazer of the Year, and the BSE, represented by S. Ramamurthy, as the Wealth Creator of the Year. Tata Electronics was recognized as India's Atmanirbharta Champion, while the Philanthropist of the Year award was presented to Kiran Nadar. The event also honored Shriram Finance as the Financial Powerhouse of the Year, Delhivery as the New Economy Leader of the Year, and Sarvam AI as the AI Champion of the Year. The selection process was overseen by a distinguished jury chaired by Sunil Bharti Mittal, which included industry stalwarts such as Noel N. Tata, Cyril Shroff, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, U.K. Sinha, Jayant Sinha, Ramesh Damani, and C.S. Setty. ## Context The awards ceremony was held against a backdrop of significant global and domestic challenges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman used the platform to discuss the impact of the ongoing war in West Asia on energy security, global trade, and supply chain stability. She also addressed the domestic challenges posed by climate volatility, specifically mentioning the impact of El Nino and uncertain rainfall patterns across India. Furthermore, the Finance Minister touched upon the government's commitment to dialogue, specifically referencing the response to concerns raised by students during recent protests in New Delhi. The conversation emphasized that Indian industries have shown remarkable resilience in the face of geopolitical conflict and volatile commodity prices. This resilience, coupled with a continued commitment to innovation, manufacturing, and employment creation, forms the bedrock of the current economic narrative. The event highlighted that the story of Viksit Bharat is being written not just in policy chambers, but in boardrooms and factories across the nation. ## Why It Matters The significance of these awards lies in their focus on leadership that builds institutions and fosters trust. As noted by Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, the awards celebrate leadership that matters—leadership that creates value and contributes to the country's growth story. The winners represent a cross-section of the economy, from traditional sectors like pharmaceuticals and banking to emerging fields like artificial intelligence and logistics. This diversity underscores a maturing Indian economy that is becoming more ambitious and confident on the global stage. The partnership with PwC India as the process partner ensured that the recognition was based on rigorous evaluation, focusing on long-term building, disciplined governance, and the conviction to grow in ways that benefit the broader economy and society. The event served as a reminder that the success of individual enterprises is inextricably linked to the success of India itself. ## Bottom Line The NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards 2026 successfully highlighted the consequential, credible, and impactful leadership currently driving India forward. By honoring visionaries across various sectors, the event underscored the dynamic evolution of Indian business. As the country navigates a complex global environment, the spirit of resilience and institution-building demonstrated by these leaders serves as a vital benchmark for the future of Indian enterprise. The return of these awards is a testament to the growing influence of NDTV Profit and its commitment to recognizing the brightest minds shaping the nation's future.