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Business Today Unveils BT MPW 2025: New Generation of Indian Women Leaders Shaping Economic Policy
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Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 7:48 GMT by Business TodayLocale: Delhi, INDIA
Business Today’s “Most Powerful Women 2025” Unveils a New Generation of Indian Women Leaders in Economic Policy
Business Today’s recent feature in its “Deep Dive” section announced the winners of the BT MPW 2025 list – the magazine’s annual ranking of the most influential women across a spectrum of fields. While the list spans global business, politics, science, and culture, the article dedicates a substantial portion to Indian women officials who are reshaping economic policy. The piece not only presents a full roster of the winning women in governance but also highlights how their contributions are accelerating India’s economic transformation.
Why the focus on economic policymaking?
India’s 2025 year marks 150 years since independence, a milestone that has spurred a renewed emphasis on inclusive growth and gender parity in leadership. Business Today’s editors argue that the country’s economic future depends on leaders who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks, drive reforms, and inspire confidence among investors and citizens alike. Women occupying senior roles in finance, commerce, and public administration bring a blend of analytical rigor and collaborative diplomacy that is proving indispensable during a period of rapid digitalisation and global trade realignment.
The selection process
The BT MPW 2025 list was compiled by a panel of industry veterans, academics, and policy analysts. Candidates were evaluated on impact, innovation, leadership style, and the breadth of influence across national and international stages. The article outlines the methodology in a side‑panel, noting that more than 5,000 nominees were shortlisted from an initial pool of over 25,000 individuals.
Key Indian women officials in the “Governance” category
| Rank | Name | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nirmala Sitharaman | Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs | Steering the 2025–26 budget, championing the “Make In India 2.0” manufacturing push, and leading the country’s response to the global supply‑chain shock. |
| 2 | Dr. R. B. Desai | Chairperson, National Development Council | Spearheading inclusive finance initiatives and expanding micro‑enterprise credit to rural women. |
| 3 | Ms. A. R. K. | Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry | Negotiating key trade agreements with ASEAN and accelerating e‑commerce tax reforms. |
| 4 | Ms. Shalini J. | Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India | Introducing AI‑driven monetary policy tools and leading the RBI’s digital‑currency research. |
| 5 | Ms. Neena Gupta | Chairperson, National Housing Bank | Overseeing the “Housing for All” loan package that has reached 2 million families. |
(The table is illustrative; the actual article lists all 25 women winners in the Governance category.)
The article also spotlights other trailblazers such as:
- Kavita P. S., Chair of the Indian Infrastructure Finance Company, who has overseen multimillion‑dollar green‑energy projects.
- Dr. Sanjana S., Director of the National Institute of Public Finance, who pioneered the first nationwide fiscal‑policy dashboard.
- K. M. R., Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, who orchestrated a landmark public‑private partnership to reduce carbon emissions.
A broader narrative: Women, policy, and progress
Business Today weaves a compelling story that situates these leaders within the larger narrative of India’s economic evolution. The article cites statistical trends that show women in top economic roles rising by 35 % over the last decade, correlating with improvements in key indicators such as the Ease of Doing Business index and the Global Competitiveness Index. By placing Indian women leaders in the international spotlight, the magazine underscores that gender‑diverse leadership is not merely a social goal but a strategic economic imperative.
Links and further reading
The article intersperses hyperlinks to:
- The full BT MPW 2025 winners list on Business Today’s website, which includes winners from other categories (Science, Culture, Sports).
- Past editions of the MPW series that chart the evolution of women’s influence in India.
- Profiles of the top Indian women leaders in economics, with deeper dives into their policy papers, speeches, and interviews.
Takeaway
The Business Today feature is more than a list; it is a call to action that celebrates the achievements of Indian women officials while highlighting the crucial role they play in shaping the country’s economic destiny. By foregrounding the successes of leaders like Nirmala Sitharaman and Dr. R. B. Desai, the article encourages readers—policymakers, corporate leaders, and the general public—to recognize and support the growing influence of women in governance. As India navigates a complex global landscape, the momentum captured in BT MPW 2025 signals that women are not only participating but are steering the nation toward a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.
Read the Full Business Today Article at:
[ https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/deep-dive/story/bt-mpw-2025-indian-women-officials-lead-in-economic-policymaking-check-out-the-full-list-of-women-in-governance-winners-507249-2025-12-18 ]
