Martin Sorrell, the founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said India's brand image is at an all-time high.  Speaking to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy saying any fall in growth is just "fluctuation"

Question: How do you see India's role in the world? 

Martin: Growing.  India's role in the world is developing.  PM Modi has been at FII and he has made his impact in the first term.  He will make an impact in his second term, so I have always been a raging bull in India and will continue to do so.  My company made a huge position in the country, about 50% of the ad industry, employs about 15000-16,000 people, and has a powerful business.  I have started a new venture - S4 Capital.  I will be doing something in India and have a tour in the country with Google in November-end.  I have mentioned this because it is emblematic of what is happening in India, tremendous growth domestically. 

Question: But reports suggest the Indian economy is not doing well? 

Martin: It is never going to go up in a straight line, it will be a secular growth and there will be fluctuations in terms of growth rate.  In the long run, India will be the most populous country of the planet, and with that comes issues.  Still, if I look at the British point of view, Brexit, if we do come out, we have to pivot as a country away from EU due to which we are dependent on trade in markets such as the US and Asia.  China and India are two massive economies in Asia.  It can't be straight line upwards.  I remain extremely bullish. 

Question: How do see the leadership of PM Modi? 

Martin: I think the brand image of India has strengthened considerably in the last 4-6 years.  It has been primarily due to PM Modi and what he has done and what he will do.  Obviously, everybody faces criticism; it will not be positive all the time.  As for the growth rate, there will be fluctuations, but the brand image of India is at an all-time high.