In a prestigious event held at the India Ideas Summit in New Delhi, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) announced the recipients of the 2024 Global Leadership Award. This year, the honor was bestowed upon Bob Pragada, CEO of Jacobs, and Babasaheb “Baba” N. Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge. The award recognizes their significant contributions to strengthening the U.S.-India economic relationship and their efforts in advancing critical sectors such as infrastructure, aviation, and energy.
Honoring Business Leaders
Bob Pragada and Baba Kalyani were celebrated for their exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering economic growth between the United States and India. Pragada, who leads Jacobs, a global provider of technical, professional, and construction services, has been instrumental in driving innovative solutions in critical infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. His efforts have not only supported sustainable economic growth but also showcased the power of engineering and resilient manufacturing.
Kalyani, at the helm of Bharat Forge, has been a pivotal figure in advancing India’s industrial capabilities. Under his leadership, Bharat Forge has become a global leader in forging and manufacturing, contributing significantly to the defense and automotive sectors. Kalyani’s commitment to innovation and his role in enhancing bilateral trade between the U.S. and India were key factors in his selection for the award.
The USIBC President, Ambassador (ret.) Atul Keshap, praised the honorees for their contributions, stating, “Bob Pragada and Baba Kalyani are not just running tremendously successful businesses; they are solving some of the world’s most complex challenges in critical infrastructure, aviation, and the energy transition. Each has dedicated incredible time and effort to advance the strategic importance of our bilateral relationship, create meaningful jobs in both our countries, and showcase the power of innovative engineering and resilient manufacturing—all with the aim of supporting sustainable economic growth and fostering human ingenuity.”
Impact on U.S.-India Relations
The Global Leadership Award highlights the strategic importance of the U.S.-India economic partnership. Both Pragada and Kalyani have played crucial roles in enhancing this relationship through their respective industries. Jacobs, with its diversified portfolio, has maintained a strong presence in India for over 50 years, providing solutions for global critical infrastructure and the semiconductor and life sciences manufacturing sectors. Pragada emphasized the potential for further collaboration, stating, “India and the U.S. have enormous potential to expand their long history of collaboration, from supporting state-of-the-art digital enablement and driving workforce development to securing India’s clean energy future.”
Bharat Forge, under Kalyani’s leadership, has been at the forefront of innovation in AI, Industry 5.0, and advanced defense technologies. Kalyani expressed his gratitude for the award and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the U.S.-India partnership. “As the two largest democracies, India and the United States share a strong global strategic relationship, and we at Bharat Forge take pride in contributing to growing bilateral trade and enhanced business engagement between the two countries,” he said.
The recognition of these leaders underscores the critical role that private sector collaboration plays in advancing the economic and strategic interests of both nations. Their efforts in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth are vital to the continued success of the U.S.-India commercial corridor.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Global Leadership Award recipients set a high standard for future honorees. Their achievements reflect the broader goals of the USIBC to create an inclusive bilateral trade environment and support long-term commercial partnerships. As the U.S. and India continue to navigate the complexities of the global economy, the contributions of leaders like Pragada and Kalyani will be instrumental in shaping a prosperous future for both countries.
The USIBC remains committed to fostering strong economic ties between the U.S. and India, advocating for policies that support business growth and innovation. The annual India Ideas Summit serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in the bilateral relationship.
As the U.S.-India partnership evolves, the recognition of visionary leaders through the Global Leadership Award will continue to highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving economic progress. The achievements of Bob Pragada and Baba Kalyani serve as an inspiration for future generations of business leaders, demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in creating a better world.
