The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully hosted the 15th edition of the India Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Summit & Awards as part of its centenary celebrations. The event brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to explore the evolving landscape of corporate governance and sustainability in India.

The summit featured high-profile dignitaries, including Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, as the Chief Guest, and Anil Razdan, Former Power Secretary of the Government of India. With India establishing itself as a global leader in sustainable development, the summit discussions highlighted the growing need for businesses to adopt governance models that strike a balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The event also saw the launch of a new knowledge document on “Next-Generation Fuels.”

Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat said, “The key takeaway from today’s discussion is that organisations should minimise resource consumption, recycle, redesign, and remanufacture. By doing so, we can reduce overall consumption and make more efficient use of the natural resources available to us. This will ensure that future generations also have access to these resources. Corporate responsibility is not just about building a massive empire while everything around us remains underdeveloped. We must also consider the growth and development of our surroundings.”

PK Satija, Chairperson of the ICC National Expert Committee on Minerals and Metals, said, “Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is an imperative. Businesses must move beyond compliance to embrace governance models that prioritise environmental stewardship, ethical leadership, and social inclusivity. As corporate leaders, we have a duty to ensure that our economic aspirations align with India’s larger sustainability vision.”

The event also recognised industry pioneers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to corporate governance and sustainability with the presentation of the prestigious Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Awards.

The summit focused on several key themes, including the Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Awards 2025, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and Board Oversight of Environmental Responsibilities. Companies were encouraged to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their corporate strategies to ensure sustainable value creation over the long term.

Discussions also emphasised the importance of sustainability reporting, the role of regulatory frameworks such as SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), and the need for collaboration between industry and government to drive India’s transition to a net-zero future.

Omesh Garga, Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services at EY India, added: “The industry today demands not just adherence to regulations but a commitment to excellence that transforms challenges into competitive advantages. Ultimately, innovation isn’t limited by technology, but by the depth of collaboration. As leaders, it is our responsibility to drive this cultural shift, ensuring that sustainability and governance become cornerstones of long-term success.”

The summit concluded with a strong consensus on the need for businesses to embed sustainability into their core operations. As India accelerates its journey towards becoming a net-zero economy, industry leaders emphasised the importance of innovation, responsible leadership, and collaborative action to achieve long-term sustainability goals.