Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla’s acceptance speech at USISPF Global Leadership Summit 2025

Good evening!

It is wonderful to be here in D.C., and I am honored to accept the 2025 USISPF Global Leadership Award. I extend my gratitude to the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, and to the distinguished guests gathered here tonight. This recognition, in some ways, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of the U.S.-India partnership.

In my view, the United States and India represent the two most dynamic economies in the world today—the perma-bets or permanent bets for us at Aditya Birla Group. Both are driven by innovation, talent, and the sheer force of entrepreneurial ambition. The synergies between our two nations—across trade, technology, and manufacturing—are essential to shaping a more prosperous global future.

At Aditya Birla Group, we believe that the United States is an incredibly attractive location for long-term investment, and we are very proud to be the largest Indian investor in the U.S. Our journey in this market started 18 years ago, when we acquired what was then a loss-making aluminum rolling company, Novelis. Today, Novelis, alone is an 18 Billion Dollar behemoth with an annual capacity of 4.1 million tons. More striking still, it is the world’s largest aluminum recycling company, recycling 82 billion cans annually. 

Each time I visit the U.S., I am reminded of why it is the land of opportunity. And we continue to back that belief with action. At Bay Minette, in Alabama we have an ongoing project of US$ 4.1 billion for an integrated aluminium rolling mill— A 3000-acre testament to our ambition. This is our largest greenfield investment in a single location anywhere on the planet. We chose America because we believe in the strength, stability, and promise of this nation. This is the biggest industrial bet ever placed in Alabama’s history. Today, over 1,000 contractors are shaping that vision on the ground. And by the end of the year, we expect that number to double.

I see this plant as a real catalyst for the region. A thousand permanent jobs. A resurgent local economy. New roads, a hotel under construction, developers lining up. Our commitment, frankly, is beyond capital— we are investing in people, in communities, and in long-term impact. That’s how we operate everywhere in the world. And frankly, this is how globalization should work—not as a zero-sum game, but as shared prosperity.

Our actions and our investments only reveal our deep-rooted commitment to the US and to the broader Indo-US partnership. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the quiet force behind our journey—our 5400 American colleagues. Their dedication anchors our presence here in the United States.

To be recognized tonight is not just a personal honor, it is a recognition of what our two nations can accomplish through our longstanding partnership. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and I am energized by what we can build, together.

Thank you.