India should stop selling itself short: Citi Chief Fraser
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Citi CEO Jane Fraser, along with Citi India CEO K Balasubramanian, speaks in a fireside chat during the Citi India Conference 2026
Although there are current external challenges, India remains the world’s fastest‑growing major economy and should not undersell its potential, Fraser, Chair and CEO of Citi, noted.
“Don’t let short‑term obstacles make you sell yourself short; everyone is dealing with them,” she remarked during the fireside chat with K Balasubramanian, CEO of Citi India.
Fraser highlighted India’s enduring long‑term trajectory and its inherent potential.
Referring to her talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said: “One of the key points we discussed was India’s role and, from my view, the impressive transformation across many sectors since Covid‑19, confirming that India’s long‑term narrative remains strong.”
Fraser noted that Modi conveyed two clear messages: the reform agenda will continue, the private sector’s vital role will be upheld, and he will keep supporting various industries moving forward.
“I consider India’s global role, stemming from its economic size and the multitude of companies operating there. It ranks among our top markets, and it is the second‑largest hub for our workforce worldwide,” she said.
Fraser pointed out that many of Citi’s global clients maintain major centers in India—not only in tech but across sectors—and several of its largest clients are Indian firms.
“A significant portion of my management team present today is Indian, which reflects the global importance India holds for us,” she added.
“I was pleased to hear from Prime Minister Modi how resolute he remains about pushing forward the reform agenda, despite lingering complexities, with the same passion and determination that will shape his legacy. This effort is essential and will help attract more foreign direct investment to India,” she said.
Fraser said one striking observation was encountering companies accomplishing feats that would have seemed unimaginable, such as ultra‑fast delivery services.
“Seeing goods delivered within an hour despite the traffic is astonishing; I couldn’t even get groceries delivered to my mother in southern England with three days’ notice,” she said.
Offering a broad observation on India, the Citi Global chief said: Some nations and firms cling to what they already have, inadvertently weakening it; regrettably, my homeland, the UK, exemplifies this trend among many European countries today.
“Conversely, there are nations and enterprises that construct what they need, even if it means disrupting existing structures—that describes India,” she added.
Published on June 4, 2026
