India is at a pivotal point in its journey as a global economic powerhouse. The vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed, future-ready India—is no longer aspirational; it’s actionable. At the heart of this transformation lies a powerful truth: sustainability is not just a responsibility—it’s a growth strategy.
Regulatory frameworks like CSR and BRSR have set the stage, but the next chapter demands more than compliance. Businesses that embed sustainability into their core strategy are already proving the payoff: lower costs, stronger supply chains, new markets, and long-term competitiveness. In India’s cost-conscious economy, sustainability done right is not just good for the planet, it’s good for business.
This is a pivotal leadership moment. Sustainability is no longer a side initiative, it’s increasingly a core value driver, delivering tangible commercial benefits. Boards and CEOs who embed sustainability into their business strategy are shaping organizations that balance short-term performance with long-term impact.
This report offers a blueprint for this transformation. It features:
- Guidance on board oversight to strengthen sustainability accountability at the top.
- Actionable recommendations for boards and the C-suite to place sustainability at the heart of business operations.
- Insights from diverse leadership voices including experienced board directors, leaders of MNCs and Indian business houses, startup founders, nonprofit leaders, and policymakers—pointing to a collective way forward.
India’s rise to 99th place in the 2025 Sustainable Development Report, up from 121st in 2022, signals momentum—and the journey towards a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future will require bold leadership, shared responsibility, and unwavering commitment. Are businesses ready to lead?
Many thanks to Atul Bagai, Khushboo Bhatia, Shailesh Haribhakti, Vivek Mittal, Sanjiv Rangrass, Manya Ranjan, Divya Sharma, and Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan for their valuable contributions as our thought partners on this report.