Mumbai – Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrapped up her visit to India with a private dinner at Antilia, the grand home of Mukesh and Nita Ambani in Mumbai. This came right after she took part in the first-ever Mumbai Climate Week 2026. During the event, Clinton spoke highly of India’s work on climate change. She pointed out new ideas like heat insurance for 500,000 women workers. She also pushed for more teamwork between governments, businesses, and groups to fight climate problems. The dinner at Antilia was a mix of friendship, music, and Indian crafts. But some people online asked questions about old links and politics, though nothing was proven.
The Mumbai Climate Week started on February 17 and ended on February 19 at the Jio World Convention Centre. It was the first big climate event in the Global South. Organized by Project Mumbai with help from the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, it brought together leaders, experts, and citizens. They talked about ways to make cities stronger against climate change. Clinton was a key speaker. She came to India as part of her work with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). CGI helps find partners for big projects around the world.
In her speech, Clinton said India is on the front line of climate change. “We cannot wait for political change that I know will come to the United States because that is a few years off. We have to do the innovation and build the models here,” she told the crowd. She praised India as an “innovator” and said power and ideas need to move from the Global North to the Global South. Clinton talked about how women face the worst of climate change. She gave the example of a heat insurance program run with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). This program helps protect 500,000 women from extreme heat. “Women are at the frontline of climate change. Together with SEWA, we’re pioneering a heat insurance model in India to protect workers from extreme temperatures,” Clinton added.
She also remembered her past visits to India. When she was Secretary of State, she helped start efforts for clean cooking tools. “I remember being in India when I was Secretary of State. We launched a big effort to create a market for clean cooking utensils. Now, that’s a small thing, but it could have a big impact,” she said. Clinton called for more such simple but strong ideas. She wants partnerships between governments at all levels, companies, charities, and activists. “I want to be a cheerleader for the efforts that can come out of India,” she stated.
After the busy day at the climate week, Clinton went to Antilia for a quiet evening. Mukesh Ambani is the Chairman of Reliance Industries. His wife Nita Ambani runs many cultural and charity works. Their daughter Isha Ambani was also there. The Ambanis welcomed Clinton with warm Indian hospitality. They followed the old saying “Atithi Devo Bhava,” which means guests are like gods.
The evening had a soulful sitar recital. This is a traditional Indian music performance. Guests also saw displays of old crafts. There was Gulabi Meenakari, which is pink enamel work on jewelry from Gujarat. And Sozni embroidery, fine needlework on shawls from Kashmir. These shows highlighted India’s rich culture. Reliance shared photos and a statement. They called it “a celebration of friendship and culture.” “Mrs. Nita and Mr. Mukesh Ambani warmly welcomed Secretary Hillary Clinton to their home for a celebration of friendship and culture. The evening was brought alive by India’s rich artistic traditions,” the statement read.
This is not the first time the Ambanis have hosted big names. In 2018, Clinton came to India for Isha Ambani’s pre-wedding events. John Kerry, another former US Secretary of State, was also there. The Ambanis are known for their big parties and support for causes. Reliance has big plans for green energy. They aim for over 50% green energy in Maharashtra by 2030. This fits with Clinton’s talk on climate action.
Many people praised the event. Social media posts showed excitement about the cultural mix. One user on X said, “Showcasing our Bharatiya culture and giving a warm welcome by following our Sanatan Sanskriti.” Another post shared videos of the dinner. It got hundreds of likes. News outlets like ANI and PTI covered it widely. They shared photos of Clinton with the Ambanis.
But not everyone was happy. Some online comments raised old questions. They talked about past links between big names and controversies. For example, one post mentioned old guest lists with names like Jeffrey Epstein. But these are unverified and from years ago. Nothing new or proven came up about this visit. Some asked if there are political ties. Clinton has faced many questions in her career. The Ambanis too have been in the news for business deals. But the dinner seemed just about friendship and culture. No official talks were mentioned.
Experts say such meetings help build ties. Climate change needs global teamwork. India is growing fast in green tech. Events like this can lead to new projects. Shloka Nath, CEO of India Climate Collaborative, spoke with Clinton. She said, “We have to quit the talk, talk, talk and start to act, act, act.” This matches Clinton’s call for real steps.
The Mumbai Climate Week had many other highlights. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke at the start. He said Mumbai can be a gateway for climate finance in the Global South. New ideas were shared, like ways to fight urban heat. Groups launched plans to study heat impacts in India. The World Health Organization and others joined. They want better ways to protect people from hot weather.
Clinton’s visit shows India’s growing role. As a big country in the Global South, India faces floods, heat, and storms. But it also leads in solar power and clean energy. CGI has partners in India for health and climate. Clinton said, “I have full confidence that India can become an innovator and implementer.” This praise can boost more investments.
People in Mumbai were excited. The event brought focus to local issues. Like making cities cooler with green roofs. Or better water plans. Young people joined talks. They shared ideas on apps for climate tracking.
In the end, the dinner at Antilia was a nice close to Clinton’s trip. It mixed serious talks with fun culture. As India pushes for green growth, such visits can help.
Key Moments from Mumbai Climate Week 2026
The three-day event was full of action. On day one, Fadnavis talked about Maharashtra’s green goals. He said the state leads in renewable energy. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi joined too. They discussed finance for climate projects.
Day two had Clinton’s chat with Shloka Nath. She stressed women in climate work. The heat insurance covers women in hot jobs like farming or street selling. When heat goes over a limit, they get money to rest. This started with SEWA and CGI. Now it helps 500,000 women.
Other sessions covered food systems and energy. WBCSD India Connect ran side events. They launched programs for business in climate.
Day three focused on cities. Talks on urban heat and floods. Winners of an innovation challenge were named. Eight ideas got support for real use.
The Ambani Family’s Role in Culture and Climate
The Ambanis are big in business and giving. Reliance runs green projects like solar farms. Nita Ambani leads the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. It shows Indian arts. The dinner fit their style of mixing global guests with local traditions.
Isha Ambani helps in family businesses. She joined the evening. Photos show her with Clinton. This shows young leaders in such ties.
Public Reactions and Online Buzz
Most reactions were good. Posts on X and Instagram shared the welcome. One video got over 1,000 likes. It showed the sitar play.
But some raised eyebrows. A few posts linked to old stories. Like Ambani names in past lists with controversial people. Nothing ties to this event. Experts say ignore unproven claims. Focus on facts.
What This Means for India-US Ties
Clinton’s visit strengthens links. US and India work on climate under deals like Paris Agreement. CGI has India projects since long. More such meets can bring funds and tech.
India aims for net-zero by 2070. Ideas like heat insurance can spread. Clinton said, “Power, information, and innovation has to move from the north to the south.”
FAQs
What is Mumbai Climate Week 2026?
Mumbai Climate Week 2026 is India’s first big event on climate action. It happened from February 17 to 19, 2026, at Jio World Convention Centre. It focused on ideas for cities, finance, and people-led changes. Organized by Project Mumbai, it got support from the government. Leaders from around the world came to talk about Global South solutions. It aims to make real plans, not just talks.
Why did Hillary Clinton come to India in 2026?
Clinton came for the Mumbai Climate Week as part of her Clinton Global Initiative work. She visited partners and projects in India. She spoke about climate innovations and pushed for teamwork. After the event, she had a private dinner with the Ambanis to celebrate friendship.
What did Clinton say about India’s climate work?
Clinton praised India as a leader in new ideas. She highlighted heat insurance for 500,000 women with SEWA. She said India can innovate for the Global South. “We have to do the innovation here,” she noted. She called for public-private partnerships and less waiting for politics.
What happened at the dinner at Antilia?
The Ambanis hosted Clinton at their home, Antilia. It was a small gathering with sitar music and craft shows. Gulabi Meenakari and Sozni embroidery were displayed. Isha Ambani joined. Reliance called it a celebration of culture and ties.
Are there any controversies about this visit?
Some online posts asked about old political links or past controversies. But these are unverified. The event focused on climate and culture. No new issues came up. Always check reliable sources like news agencies.
How does this help India’s climate goals?
Such visits bring attention and partners. India pushes green energy. Events like this can get more funds. Clinton’s praise boosts India’s image as an innovator.