India’s Vision for Global Collaboration and Innovation: Ashwini Vaishnaw at WEF 2025
At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented India’s ambitious vision for global collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development. On January 22, 2025, during his engagement in Switzerland, the Minister highlighted India’s progress in various sectors, particularly in the railway and semiconductor industries, while emphasizing the growing international interest in “Made-in-India” products.
The day’s activities began in Zurich, where Minister Vaishnaw participated in discussions with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). During this session, the latest advancements in infrastructure diagnostics were presented, showcasing the Swiss expertise that could potentially aid in improving India’s railway operations. Vaishnaw met with Swiss railway experts, exploring technologies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure within the Indian Railway system.
The Minister’s visit also included meetings with leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the railway sector, such as Rhomberg Sersa Ag, Selectron, Ucentrics, Autech, and nu Glass. These discussions focused on fostering partnerships and exploring technology transfer opportunities, particularly in the development of smart railway solutions and sustainable manufacturing practices that align with India’s modernization goals.
A significant highlight of the day was Vaishnaw’s meeting with Stadler Rail Management. The Minister visited the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in St. Margrethen, where Stadler Rail’s expertise in producing advanced double-decker multiple-unit trains was presented. This aligns with India’s ambitious plan to modernize and expand its passenger rail fleet, enhancing the transportation network’s efficiency and sustainability.
Another notable moment of the visit was a presentation by Minister Vaishnaw on the Indian Semiconductor Ecosystem to Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. This interaction underscored India’s strategic focus on building a robust semiconductor industry, positioning the country as a key player in global technology innovation.
India’s participation at the WEF 2025 also underscores the country’s growing economic influence. The India Pavilion at the event showcases investment opportunities from eight Indian states—Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal. These states aim to attract global business leaders and investors, highlighting India’s diverse economic landscape.
The WEF 2025 theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” resonates with India’s vision of fostering international partnerships that drive technological innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. Over 350 global leaders, including 60 heads of state and government, are in attendance, marking the importance of this annual gathering in shaping the future of the global economy.
With India sending its largest-ever delegation to Davos, consisting of five union ministers, three state chief ministers, and nearly 100 CEOs, the nation’s growing role on the global stage is clear. As India continues to embrace innovative technologies and global collaboration, it is positioning itself as a key driver of change in the global economy.
