Mohit Joshi, CEO and Managing Director, Tech Mahindra and Kaan Terzioglu, CEO, VEON, while speaking to India Today, at the World Governments Summit, discussed how trust, technology, and government policies are shaping business and public services in today’s global economy. They highlighted the importance of long-term thinking, ethical practices, and digital solutions in building credibility with customers, governments, and societies.
Joshi emphasised that in a global, multi-product business, trust is the central determinant of success. “Anytime you’re running a global business, customers, societies, employees, and governments need to trust that you will be predictable and display a high degree of integrity,” he said.
He explained that trust is earned over time through predictability, integrity, and robust systems, but it can be lost quickly if not managed carefully.
Terzioglu highlighted the role of governments in enabling growth through clear policies rather than direct intervention. “Policies that enable the private sector and the economy to develop are critical,” he said.
He cited an example from Chengdu, China, where a municipal AI data centre supports hospitals, schools, and households with healthcare diagnostics at higher accuracy and lower costs. This, he said, shows how well-defined policies combined with private sector execution can scale essential services effectively.
On the issue of data privacy, Joshi suggested models where individuals own their data and can share it transactionally with governments or companies. “Defining an optimal model where an individual can store and share data securely is probably the most effective,” he said.
Terzioglu added, “When you define a utility for the good of citizens and partner with a trusted brand, it balances privacy and sustainable public service.”
Both leaders stressed the transformative potential of AI. Terzioglu pointed out that AI should augment human skills and make essential services accessible, even in conflict zones like Ukraine, where satellite networks ensure connectivity despite power and infrastructure challenges.
Joshi added, “AI in local languages can transform citizen services, education, and healthcare, reaching millions at scale.”
He concluded that sustainable business success depends on long-term thinking and responsibility. “Whenever you think in terms of long-term businesses and act as stewards of the enterprise, trust is built, and mistakes can be managed transparently,” he said.
