Get ready for a power-packed event! Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate The Economic Times World Leaders Forum on August 22. This two-day star-studded gathering brings together over 400 top business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from India and the world. Alongside him are two important Cabinet ministers — Nitin Gadkari, the road transport and highways maestro, and commerce and industry chief Piyush Goyal. Rajnath Singh will deliver the opening keynote, setting the stage for important talks on "The Next Global Order: Power, Purpose, Partnership." The forum will dig deep into big issues – from rising geopolitical tensions and changing global trade to the exciting, disruptive power of AI and new technologies. As Defence Minister, Singh has been a force of transformation. He is boosting India’s defence strength by pushing reforms that increase technology skills and build strong international ties. Thanks to his vision, defence manufacturing has crossed a whopping ₹1.5 lakh crore, with private companies investing big in research and teaming up with foreign tech firms. On the roads front, Nitin Gadkari has grown India’s national highways by 60%, reaching 1,46,204 km from 91,287 km in 2014. His plan is bold – turning 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four lanes with a huge ₹10 lakh crore investment. Gadkari is also championing green fuels and safer roads to drive India towards a world-class transport network by 2047. Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal, the commerce minister, is making India’s trade environment easier and friendlier for businesses. He’s created a strong startup ecosystem and made single-window clearances faster. Goyal has also led big trade deals with the UK, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, and more. His push for manufacturing includes exciting Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes worth ₹1.97 lakh crore to boost India’s manufacturing share in GDP. Back to defence, Singh’s ministry is rolling out reforms to speed up buying weapons for India’s armed forces, cutting delays. He’s battling India’s arms import dependency with projects like advanced combat aircraft, the Astra missile system, fighter jet engines, and long-range UAVs – all key parts of a stronger home-grown defence manufacturing game. This local strength shone bright during Operation Sindoor, where Indian-made weapons helped secure success. The forum promises thrilling talks that connect India’s growing global influence in defence, trade, and technology with the future of the world’s economy. So, hold tight, the Economic Times World Leaders Forum is ready to ignite big ideas and partnerships!