From Monuments to Markets: Sanjeev Sanyal on Process Reforms and India’s Global Trade Ambitions

Manan Mittal (Right), Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal (Centre), Satyam Gadakari (Left)

Our research analyst, Manan Mittal, recently had the opportunity to host Sanjeev Sanyal—Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India—at King’s College London. Following a thought-provoking exchange with him, Manan reflects on the insights shared during Sanyal’s talk, which offered a compelling case for the power of process reforms in driving India’s economic future.

While headlines often focus on sweeping structural overhauls, Sanyal emphasised the “nuts and bolts” reforms that go unnoticed but are instrumental in transforming governance and accelerating trade. From scrapping colonial relics that once blocked development to reducing the average time for voluntary company liquidation by 88%, these reforms aim to enhance operational efficiency across sectors—crucial for improving India’s appeal as a global investment and manufacturing hub.

Sanyal’s presentation illustrated how India is quietly but effectively positioning itself in the wake of global disruptions like US-China trade tensions. Simplified telecom rules, a revamped patent system, and the easing of compliance burdens in sectors like IT-BPO signal a strategic shift towards business facilitation—an essential step if India is to rival Vietnam or Malaysia in absorbing manufacturing capacity moving out of China.

Speaking to him after the session, it was clear that Sanyal sees process reforms not just as internal housekeeping but as a foundation for India’s emergence as a trading superpower. As Manan writes,

“These quiet revolutions may well be India’s loudest signal yet—that it’s open for business, ready to lead, and unafraid to rethink the fine print.”