International relations could become more and more transactional, driven strongly by national interest and muscle-flexing, but India is well-positioned to more than fend for itself, said Anand Mahindra.

 “It is no longer the 99-pound lightweight on the beach. It can demonstrate military might. It can boast of political stability, anchored by its raucous and robust democracy that was on full display in the central elections, when a nation of over a billion people voted seamlessly, peaceably, and effectively,” Mahindra said in his new year message to employees.

Economic potential

“India can enhance its economic potential, by seizing the opportunity offered by shifting affinities and alliances to become a keystone in the global supply chain system. We will be less affected by capricious global winds than many other countries. In that context, our Group should have no dearth of opportunities for growth, both domestic and international,” he added.

Highlighting the Group’s financial achievements, Mahindra pointed out that among companies listed in the NIFTY50 in 2002, Mahindra & Mahindra achieved the highest compounded annual share price growth rate, with a 77 per cent increase over the past year. While reflecting on the successes, he emphasised that integrity remains the foundation of the Group. “ 

“Audacity has brought us far and will surely take us further. But I want to emphasise strongly that we do not measure our success in terms of sheer financial growth. Our audacity can never be at the cost of our integrity,” Mahindra said.