New Delhi: Business tycoon and India’s richest man Gautam Adani opened up about his journey and the economy of India, along with answering questions on his political relations and owing NDTV. In an interview with India Today, Gautam Adani talked about being the richest person in the country and also shared his business mantra.

On being asked about being the richest person in India, he said that rankings and numbers don’t matter to him. Talking about business expansion he said that he was born into a middle-class family and struggled for basic needs. He added that at that time India lacked infrastructure while China developed, and this motivated him to work for the nation, while 1991 policy changes enabled the private sector to build infrastructure. Sharing his Mantra for success, he said that his businesses are run by professionals his role is limited to planning, capital allocation and performance review.

On acquiring NDTV, he said that NDTV will be a credible and independent network and there will be a ‘laxman rekha’ between management and editorial teams. Diving on to other controversies, he addressed the issue of debt of Rs 2 lakh crores and answered the group is financially strong and that such noises come from people who do not understand the detailed nuances and people with a vested interest. He added that nine years ago out of total debt, Adani Group’s 80% lending was from Indian banks but now it is reduced to 30%.

#IndiaTodayExclusive: Watch unmissable interview of our #newsmaker of the year @gautam_adani where he responds to direct questions on his relationship with PM Modi, growth the his empire & much more. #AdaniOnIndiaToday with @rajchengappa | #ITLivestream https://t.co/8fDZ1O2bVQ

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) December 28, 2022

On allegations of his relations with PM Modi, he said that both of them come from Gujarat and that makes him an easy target. He explained that his journey is divided into four phases, the first began when Rajiv Gandhi bought items in the open general license list. The second push came in 1991 when PM Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh bought economic reforms which benefited entrepreneurs. The third turning point was in 1995 when Kesubhai Patel became state CM and developed coastal areas and he bought his first port. He added that the fourth point came in 2001 when Gujarat witnessed development under CM Modi.

When asked about the criticism, he said that Gautam Adani is a product of democratic India and protest and criticism define democracy. Talking about his inspiration, he said that Dhirubhai Ambani has been a source of inspiration to Indians as he set up a world-class business group and a legacy against all odds.