'I Could Never Have Become CEO In India': Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi Says America Rewards Merit | Watch

Last Updated:July 02, 2026, 11:26 IST

She further remarked about India’s “chaos” and China’s “order”, videos of which are now going viral across social media.

Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi is going viral after a recent interview in which she compared India, China and the United States — and made some brutally honest observations that have sharply divided the internet.

Speaking during a conversation on leadership and innovation, Nooyi said that while China feels easier for visitors because of its homogeneity and orderliness, India’s appeal lies in something very different. “India is going to be impossible if you like clean, orderly living. The beauty of India is in its chaos. If you like chaos, you go back," she said.

Another part of the interview that exploded online was her comment about meritocracy in America. “I could never have become CEO in any other country in the world, including in India. It’s because the system here in America is a meritocratic system," Nooyi said.

The former PepsiCo chief also spoke about China’s rise as a global power. “I respect the Chinese system for pulling China out of the dark ages. It became a world power because they did it centrally. India is still struggling to be a world power because democracy rules and progress is slow. But I am glad it is a democracy," she added.

The remarks immediately triggered intense debate online. Some users agreed with her completely and said Indians often struggle to accept constructive criticism. “Very first thing we Indians should start doing is taking Constructive Criticism. What she said is all true," one user wrote.

Others praised the American system for rewarding talent. “If you have hardcore work ethic, and you build smth useful, you have a good shot of winning the long game," another comment read. One user even called her comments “a big eye opener," saying America continues attracting global talent because its ecosystem rewards capability and innovation.

But many people strongly disagreed with Nooyi’s assessment. One user pointed out that the US itself has never elected a woman president and questioned how America could be called more progressive for women than India. Another wrote: “As somebody who loves the chaos and diversity of India, I refuse to believe that is what makes it unliveable. It is the pollution, cruelty on the streets and trash everywhere that makes it difficult."

The viral debate has now turned into something bigger than just one interview. For some, Nooyi’s comments were uncomfortable truths about governance, infrastructure and meritocracy. For others, they sounded like sweeping generalisations about India from someone who succeeded abroad.

Either way, the internet clearly cannot stop talking about it.

About the Author

Mallika BhagatDeputy News Editor

Mallika Bhagat is a Deputy News Editor at News18, where she leads the Lifestyle and Viral desks. A seasoned journalist and content strategist, she brings a decade of high-impact experience from India’...Read More

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