CNBC-TV18, in collaboration with HDFC Tru, hosted the inaugural edition of its flagship thought leadership platform, Prime Circle, on July 16 in Mumbai.

The exclusive gathering brought together global stalwarts in finance, diplomacy, and corporate strategy to decode India’s potential amid a rapidly transforming geopolitical and economic landscape.

In what was a high-impact debut, the evening featured influential voices, including Manny Maceda, Chair, Bain & Company; George Yeo, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Singapore; Shyam Saran, former Indian Foreign Secretary; Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman, Motilal Oswal Group; Robert Rosenkranz, Chairman, Delphi Capital Management and Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC Securities, a press statement issued by CNBC-TV18 stated.

Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, opened the evening with a compelling welcome address, stating, “At CNBC-TV18 Prime, our goal is to cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves markets, not just headlines, but global shifts shaping India’s future. Whether it’s the US semiconductor policy, remilitarization in Europe, or capital flows driven by geopolitics, we help decode what it means for Indian investors.”

The evening began with a power-packed dialogue titled ‘Re-Imagined: Can Real Assets Outpace Equities?’ where Raamdeo Agrawal and Ankur Gupta, Global Deputy CIO at Brookfield, discussed how real assets like infrastructure, real estate, and logistics are gaining favour in volatile markets. They stressed on the resilience and long-term value these assets offer, especially in a shifting macroeconomic climate.

One of the key highlights of the evening was George Yeo’s keynote on the theme ‘Can India Rise Without Picking Sides?’ in which he unpacked India’s evolving multi-aligned foreign policy. Yeo emphasized how India’s nuanced diplomatic approach is proving pivotal as it maintains relationships across major global blocs without compromising national interest.

In a thought-provoking segment titled ‘Is Global Chaos the New Normal?’ Saran addressed the underlying instability driving today’s global order — from energy crises and protectionism to climate change and militarization. His core message focused on the importance of strategic resilience and diversified global alliances.

Robert Rosenkranz added a personal and philosophical dimension through his address, ‘Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious’. Drawing inspiration from stoic philosophy, Rosenkranz spoke about the importance of emotional discipline, time mastery, and staying anchored in purpose, especially amid uncertainty.

Maceda’s session, ‘Connecting the Dots: The CEO Playbook for an Era of Hyper Change’, outlined a practical roadmap for leaders navigating disruption. Reflecting on the shift from the post-1990s era of globalization to a more fragmented global order, he encouraged CEOs to go on the offensive.

“The next decade will reward those who do not want to wait,” he said, urging leaders to rethink supply chains, embrace the energy transition, and double down on innovation. He positioned India as a central player in this new global narrative, driven by demographics, digital momentum, and manufacturing scale.

The final session, ‘India’s Wealth Moment Amidst Global Uncertainty’, featured Dhiraj Relli of HDFC Securities, who underlined the deep behavioural shift in Indian investing. “Indian investors have matured. They’ve weathered cycles and crises and emerged more resilient,” he noted, pointing to the rising financialization of Indian savings and a growing culture of long-term investing.

The event concluded with a distinctive tasting experience curated by Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, adding a touch of elegance to an intellectually charged evening.