Uday Kotak's Urgent Call: Why Indian Firms Must Go Global Now

Uday Kotak is calling for a major shift in how Indian businesses approach growth. He emphasizes the need to build globally competitive enterprises during these uncertain times. The banking veteran notes that while current market returns have been modest, the long-term outlook remains positive. He highlights how policy changes and domestic investor participation are strengthening India's economic foundation.

Key Points: Uday Kotak Urges Building Globally Competitive Indian Companies

  • Kotak urges stepping out of comfort zones to build world-ready Indian businesses
  • Corporate India must focus on sustainable company building for future earnings
  • Samvat 2081 saw muted 5% returns amid global volatility and uncertainty
  • Indian equity resilience continues with strong mutual fund inflows and policy support
2 min read

Uday Kotak urges Indians to build globally competitive firms amid uncertain global environment

Kotak Mahindra Bank founder calls on Indian businesses to build sustainable, globally competitive enterprises amid geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility.

"This is a time for every Indian to step out of our comfort, convenience, and complacency zones - Uday Kotak"

Mumbai, October 16

Uday Kotak, founder and Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, on Thursday, urged every Indian to focus on building India and globally competitive Indian enterprises amid a rapidly changing and uncertain world.

Kotak Mahindra Bank founder further added that corporates in India will build their companies sustainably, keeping faith with investors.

"This is a time for every Indian to step out of our comfort, convenience, and complacency zones to build an India and an Indian business that is ready to take on the world. I wish that corporate India, in which investors have such great faith, would wake up to this challenge and focus on building companies sustainably for the future, thereby improving the earnings of these companies over time, so that the current high P/E ratios become justified. And for investors to continue putting money into the equity markets," Kotak said in a video message.

He added that the Samvat year 2081 has been a challenging one for equity investors, with muted returns amid a volatile global environment, said Uday Kotak, in his market outlook ahead of Diwali.

Kotak acknowledged the broader macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties that have weighed on investor sentiment. "The year 2081 has also been crucial, as the world has changed significantly. The geopolitics, the tariffs, the uncertainties and multiple wars have clouded the horizon,n and we are looking forward to more clarity as we move into 2082 Samvat," he said.

So far in this Samvat year, between October 31, 2024, and October 16, 2025, the BSE Sensex and the Nifty 50 at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) have yielded approximately 5% each.

Despite the subdued returns this year, Kotak noted that over a three-year period, investor gains remain satisfactory. He highlighted the resilience of the Indian equity landscape, supported by continued inflows into mutual funds and capital markets.

"The Indian trend line of saver becoming the investor continues at pace," he said, attributing the trend to policy moves like zero tax up to Rs 12 lakh and GST cuts that are boosting the domestic economy.

Kotak cautioned that while US markets are on a roll, the rally is heavily concentrated. "It is the Magnificent Seven which have produced the bulk of the returns and the rest of the US markets have not grown at the same speed."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good advice but easier said than done. Many small businesses are struggling with compliance and regulations. Hope the government simplifies processes so that more entrepreneurs can focus on building sustainable companies. 🏢
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Aditya G
The 5% returns this Samvat year are indeed muted, but as a long-term investor, I'm not worried. SIP in mutual funds has been my strategy and it's working well. Patience is key in equity markets! 💹
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Sarah B
As someone who moved from the US to work in India's tech sector, I can see the potential here. Indian companies have the talent and innovation to compete globally, but need better infrastructure and policy support.
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Karthik V
The point about high P/E ratios is crucial. Many stocks are overvalued without corresponding earnings growth. Companies need to focus on fundamentals rather than just stock price manipulation. 📈
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Meera T
True words! We Indians are too comfortable with secure jobs. Time to take calculated risks and build something substantial. The youth should embrace entrepreneurship with proper planning. Jai Hind! 🙏
D
David E
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish Mr. Kotak had addressed the environmental sustainability aspect more clearly. Building globally competitive companies shouldn't come at the cost of our planet.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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