Uday Kotak warns world ‘at cusp of return to global colonialism’ amid West Asia war, Trump’s comments on Iran
Industrialist and master banker Uday Kotak has warned that the West Asian war and US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the conflict points to a return to “global colonialism”.
Speaking at an event organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Mumbai today, Kotak, a non-independent director and founder of private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank, warned that the current geopolitical situation reflects a similar phase seen in the early 20th century.
‘At a pivotal point in the return of global colonialism’
Speaking to financial sector participants at the event on April 7, Kotak said that his comments were not political, but an observation on global developments.
“We are at a very important peak of what I call the return of global colonialism, what FICCI fought against from 1927 to 1947, and we are at such a peak in 2026,” he said, adding, “The fact that we are at such a peak is very clear… I am not getting into politics; I am just repeating the facts of (US President) Donald Trump’s speech at the White House.”
Kotak warned that the world could re-enter a phase where economic and strategic control increasingly determine global power dynamics.
Uday Kotak talked about India’s place in the new global world order
For India, Kotak said the country should prioritize strengthening the weakest segment of “middle manufacturing” to support long-term economic resilience, improve industrial depth and achieve greater economic self-reliance.
“I think the biggest area where we need to build and where we can play that role for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat is in creating mid-level manufacturing. The weakest area we need to focus on is mid-level manufacturing,” he said.
This includes companies that invest. ₹100 to ₹1,000 crore in projects.
The billionaire also called on major corporate groups and companies to increase their investments in research, development and innovation to increase competitiveness and sustain the country’s long-term growth.
Donald Trump said ‘Tonight all civilization will die’
US President Donald Trump raised concerns in a post on social media platform Truth Social today, warning Iran that “an entire civilization will die tonight” as the deadline to reach an agreement or open the Strait of Hormuz approaches.
“An entire civilization will die tonight and never be brought back,” Trump wrote, adding that he didn’t want that to happen “but it probably will.”
“But now that we are experiencing a Complete and Total Regime Change dominated by different, smarter and less radicalized minds, maybe something revolutionary will happen, WHO KNOWS? Tonight we will learn about one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world,” he said, “47 years of usurpation, corruption and death will finally come to an end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”
This comes after he issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran last week to open the Strait of Hormuz. “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day in Iran, all rolled into one. It won’t happen! Open the damn Strait, you crazy ****s, or you’ll live in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to God. Tuesday, 8pm Eastern Time!” It was Trump’s ominous weekend warning.
