Lauding India’s growth story, union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said the country has not only hit the ‘sweet spot’ but has ‘got its act together’.
In an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18’s managing editor Shereen Bhan during the channel’s Indian Business Leader Awards (IBLA) ceremony, Puri said India’s repositioning at the ongoing COP28 shows greater responsibility towards future generations. He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of proposing to host the COP33 meeting in 2028.
“In the COP meetings, India has moved very quickly to reposition itself. We aren’t getting into a blame game. We also have a duty towards our future generations. The prime minister has said we have to be part of the solution. With India hosting COP in 2028, it will lead to change,” he said.
Puri appreciated CNBC-TV18 for applauding all the business leaders, who had boosted India’s growth story. Talking about ‘green’ energy, he also cautioned against a fast transition from fossil fuel.
“You need to transition faster to ‘green’ energy. But if it happens very fast, it will lead to a meltdown,” he added.
Highlighting the role of oil marketing companies in moving towards ‘green’ energy, Puri said he should now be called “minister of energy and transition instead of the minister of oil and petroleum”. Asked if the privatisation of BPCL has been put off the cards, he replied in the affirmative.
“BPCL makes Rs 19,000 crore profit. When I first heard the proposal, I asked who put its privatisation on the table,” he said, adding that privatisation should be used at the right time, giving the example of Air India. “If you make the correct kind of decision, it helps.”
About the election results for the five states on Sunday, he said the BJP will win 5-0, but that he was told that the results will be 4-1. At the same time, he added that the saffron party will win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections under Narendra Modi’s leadership.
“Those who think there will be an alternative are delusional,” he added.
Puri further said he hoped that the energy prices remain stable despite the Israel-Hamas war. “Hamas is a terrorist group. We condemn it but the Palestinians are not terrorists. Am glad, there was a ceasefire. I hope better sense will prevail and the remaining hostages will be released,” he said.
The IBLA is a distinguished platform that annually recognises and celebrates exceptional leaders driving innovation, growth and positive change across industries. In its illustrious history, the awards have become a hallmark of excellence, honouring visionaries who have played pivotal roles in shaping India’s economic landscape. Powered by CNBC-TV18, the IBLA showcases the relentless pursuit of excellence, acknowledging leaders whose ingenuity and leadership have set new benchmarks.
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