NEW YORK: Nita Ambani unveiled TIME100 Next India at a gala here the other day, announcing a partnership between Reliance Industries and TIME Magazine that will recognize 100 emerging Indian leaders across arts, business, sports and other fields, and said a flagship gala to honor the honorees is planned for Mumbai in December 2026.
Speaking at the TIME100 Summit, Ambani, who is chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, declared “India’s time has come,” framing the country as an ascendant compassionate soft power that blends spirituality, yoga and technology. She said Reliance would back the initiative to empower next-generation talent and to bring global platforms and visibility to Indian achievers.
Nita Ambani: “I just feel that the world does not need any hard power. It needs soft power.”
Ambani spoke at the TIME100 Summit about India’s role in shaping the world.
TIME100 Proud Partner @RIL_Updates pic.twitter.com/L8q8BLJCkL
— TIME (@TIME) April 23, 2026
Ambani’s appearance at the gala drew attention for both her remarks and her attire.
She wore a rare Jamdani saree from her Swadesh brand, described by organizers as handwoven over 24 months in West Bengal by Padma Shri artisan Biren Kumar Basak and embellished with meenakari work and colorful motifs. She also wore a diamond ring valued at about $6.5 million and other high-profile jewellery that was widely photographed and discussed by influencers at the event.
In brief remarks touching on Indian sport, Ambani congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team on their recent World Cup victory and offered motivational messages to Mumbai Indians players following the IPL 2025 season.
Earlier this year, it may be recalled, Ambani and Mukesh Ambani attended events related to U.S. President‑elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, the couple’s visit drawing media attention as they continue to cultivate international engagements.
The TIME100 Next India initiative aims to spotlight rising leaders at a moment when corporate and cultural figures increasingly seek to project India’s influence on the global stage; organizers said the Mumbai gala in December will bring together honorees, industry leaders and international guests to celebrate the first cohort.
