The recently concluded AI Summit in New Delhi, addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, communicated India's ambition to lead in responsible and inclusive AI. The message was clear: innovation must advance alongside ethics, trust, and human-centred development. India does not intend to be a passive consumer of technology; it intends to shape its governance.

The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that all companies file their Annual Return and Financial Statements, with filing fees governed under Section 403 read with the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014. Since 1 July 2018, a stringent additional fee of C100 per day-without any upper cap-has been imposed for delays in filing these documents.

For many years, the conversation around women in boardrooms focused on representation. Numbers mattered and they still do. Mandated thresholds and formal appointments helped initiate change. They signalled intent. They opened doors and normalised presence. As representation strengthens, the conversation naturally shifts.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from 16-21 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marked a historic shift in the global artificial intelligence landscape. As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, it brought together heads of state, technology leaders, policymakers, industry pioneers, and representatives from over 100 countries.

Blending philosophy with pragmatism, Guardians of the Boardroom redefines what it means to lead with purpose, question with integrity and govern with wisdom. This book arrives at a moment when trust, transparency and accountability are no longer optional virtues, but decisive measures of corporate success.

The year 2025 was a fruitful year for the Indian tech ecosystem, helping unlock the deep potential of AI in the business landscape. AI has more than evolved to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of Indian businesses as well as deliver unique capabilities.

Across Indian boardrooms, one theme has steadily moved from the sidelines to the strategic center - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Once viewed as a social ideal, DEI is now a decisive factor in business performance, innovation, and reputation.

It is my absolute privilege to address this first-ever National Convention on Leadership and Business Excellence, in this vibrant commercial hub - GIFT City, in Gujarat, marking thirty-five years of sustained contribution of the Institute of Directors (IOD) to Corporate Governance in India.

The intersection between D&O insurance and ESG performance has been a hot topic in recent years. On the one hand, robust ESG practices reduce litigation risk and improve firms' underwriting risk appetite.

It gives me great pleasure to address this distinguished gathering. Institute of Directors (IOD) has consistently championed excellence in ethics, leadership and corporate governance, and today's deliberations will reflect that enduring commitment.