India has been a recent discovery: I visited the country for the NYSE in 1997 for the first time. Like most visitors, I was fascinated. Almost 20 years after, I continue to be attracted to India and I created friendships with Indians that are long lasting and very close.
It has been an exceptional set of experiences with Governments, cultures and businesses. Going to Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace is like having a home away from home, from the bell man to the hotel management. A few days after the attack of Pakistani terrorists on this magnificent hotel, I visited with its CEO, Raymond Bickson, the floors where so many people died with deep emotion.
However, I am concerned by the distance that widens between local Indians and what they call NRIs (Non Resident Indians). The gap is such that they hardly can work together. India’s future is unclear. Having lost ground over the past few years under Manmohan Singh leadership (or lack thereof), the country is now trying to make sense of its new administration, under Narendra Modi. So far, the charismatic leader has not (yet) produced the reforms expected from him.