World Bank's Neelkanth Mishra on the next set of big bang reforms India needs | HTLS 2026

What are the next big reforms India needs to unlock faster economic growth and improve productivity? In a conversation ahead of the 24th edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, World Bank Executive Director Neelkanth Mishra argues that empowering cities and devolving more power to local governments should be among India's biggest reform priorities. Mishra explains why stronger municipal governments, better urban planning and greater participation of private capital are essential to improving infrastructure, housing and the quality of life in Indian cities. He also highlights the need to simplify India's direct tax system, which he says can be perceived as complex and intimidating by foreign companies.