Speaking alongside BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Ambani said Indian households have been “very consistent savers” over the last four to five decades, but a large part of that savings has not been channelled into productive assets. He pointed out that India has imported billions of dollars’ worth of gold and silver over the years, largely as a store of domestic savings, which does little to compound wealth or support economic growth.
“If we can convince Indian savers to invest in Indian capital markets in a safe and transparent way, there are returns to be taken,” Ambani said, underscoring the opportunity that lies in shifting household money from idle assets into equities and financial instruments that grow with the economy.
According to Ambani, investing remains too complicated for a large part of the population. Simplifying access to financial markets, he said, should be a basic demand of India’s younger generation.
“Access to investments is complex. That is what every young Indian should demand. Our job is to provide that, similar to what we did with Jio,” Ambani said, drawing a parallel with how low-cost data and digital access transformed India’s telecom and internet landscape. The same approach, he argued, can democratise investing and bring millions into capital markets.
He also drew a clear distinction between traditional savings and market-linked investments, saying money parked in bank accounts does not compound meaningfully over time, while money invested in the stock market participates directly in economic growth. As India expands, companies grow, profits rise and capital markets reflect that progress, but only if households are invested in them.Ambani’s remarks come at a time when India is witnessing a steady rise in retail investor participation, driven by systematic investment plans, digital platforms and greater awareness. However, household allocation to equities remains low compared to global peers, with a significant portion of savings still locked in physical assets and low-yield deposits.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink echoed Ambani’s optimism about India’s long-term growth story, particularly in the context of technology. Fink said he does not believe the world is in an artificial intelligence bubble and described AI as a powerful growth engine for the global economy, with India well placed to benefit.
“India has always adapted new technologies,” Fink said, adding that AI will be a major driver of productivity, innovation and wealth creation over the coming decades. His comments align with BlackRock’s broader view that India will be one of the most important investment destinations globally over the next 20 to 25 years.