Manoj is a successful businessman and global thought leader, respected for his insights into a world experiencing remarkable change.
His work focuses on geopolitics, global trade and investment, sustainability, and innovation for economies around the globe. His extensive experience in bringing businesses and people together has paved the way for dialogue, collaboration, and significant business impact.
As the Founder and Chair of India Global Forum, Manoj plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and impactful partnerships that span across continents. He is best known for known for his deep understanding of India and its growing influence around the world.
His work champions the world’s green growth and emerging economies, notably through launching the Climate and Business Forum (ClimB) with Bloomberg, which supports innovators and businesses focused on sustainable technologies, and the Emerging Economies Forum in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates and the World Governments Summit.
Manoj leverages this platform to advocate for his principles, holding a steadfast belief in the transformative impact of gender equality and inclusivity on societal and economic development. In 2022, he launched the WomenIN Forum, a cornerstone of India Global Forum’s agenda, as a platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and collaborative actions aimed at empowering women to achieve their aspirations.
Most recognised for his expertise on India’s evolving global role and changing relationships, Manoj’s work spans politics, business, entrepreneurship, and research. This includes his role as Communications Director for Narendra Modi’s 2014 election campaign, positioning him as a critical thinker in driving international dialogue, shaping policies and fostering collaborative innovations and solutions for the most complex of problems.
With a track record of over three decades in fostering strategic, business, and cultural connections between the UK, his country of birth, and India, his country of origin, Manoj has led the way in strengthening UK-India ties, leveraging his expertise and unparalleled influence.
He has always had a keen eye for the untapped potential in UK-India relations. In 2003, he set up the UK branch of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), leading it for several years. Throughout his former career a lawyer, he has advised more than 400 UK and Indian companies on doing business and resolving complex matters in the UK and India.
Manoj also served as an Independent Director on the board of India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited from 2015 to 2021, where he chaired the risk committee and guided it to become one of the fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK according to Grant Thornton.
Outside of business, Manoj supports and mentors many UK, Indian, and global charities, helping them grow their activities and raise funds for worthy causes such as the British Asian Trust, Diwali Foundation amongst others.