Imagining a New India: Global Voices Converge at the 23rd India Conference at Harvard
Imagining a New India: The 23rd edition of the India Conference at Harvard is set to emerge as a powerful global forum that reflects India’s growing influence across sports, governance, creativity, and international dialogue. Organised entirely by students, this landmark event continues a legacy of thoughtful engagement by bringing together prominent Indian and global voices to explore how India is shaping, and being shaped by, the world. Scheduled to take place on February 14 and 15, 2026, the conference will be hosted jointly at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School in Boston.
A Platform Rooted in Student Leadership and Global Perspective
For over two decades, the India Conference at Harvard has stood as one of the most influential India-focused academic gatherings outside the country. What makes it distinctive is its student-led nature. Each year, a diverse team of nearly 100 students from across Harvard University conceptualises, curates, and executes the conference. Their objective goes beyond hosting conversations; it is about shaping narratives around India’s evolving identity in business, public policy, culture, and innovation.
This year’s theme, “The India We Imagine,” reflects a forward-looking vision. It invites participants to move beyond static definitions of the nation and instead engage with dynamic ideas of leadership, aspiration, and global responsibility.
Sports, Leadership, and National Identity
One of the most anticipated sessions will feature Olympic badminton champion P.V. Sindhu, whose journey has become synonymous with excellence, discipline, and global competitiveness. Her participation will centre on a moderated discussion examining the transformation of India’s sports ecosystem.
The conversation will explore how elite athletic performance intersects with leadership, professional management, and national pride. As a two-time Olympic medalist and the first Indian to secure a gold medal at the Badminton World Championships, Sindhu represents a generation of athletes who have redefined India’s sporting image on the global stage.
Joining her in discussion will be sports industry leaders, including voices from professional sports management, offering insights into how athletes and administrators together contribute to India’s international sporting credibility and cultural confidence.
Democratic Ideals and India’s Global Engagement
The conference will also host a keynote address by Shashi Tharoor, a prominent parliamentarian and chair of India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs. Known globally as a diplomat, author, and public intellectual, Tharoor will frame the conference theme through the lens of India’s constitutional values and democratic traditions.
Drawing from decades of experience at the United Nations, in Indian politics, and as a writer on global affairs, his address is expected to examine how India articulates its identity on the world stage. The focus will be on ideas, institutions, and the responsibilities of citizens in shaping India’s future role in international governance and diplomacy.
Creativity, Culture, and Global Recognition
Adding a strong cultural dimension to the conference will be a session led by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra. His discussion will highlight how fashion, cinema, and creative entrepreneurship act as powerful tools of cultural storytelling.
Moderated by industry leaders in creative entrepreneurship, the session will explore how Indian aesthetics, craftsmanship, and narratives are finding resonance worldwide. The emphasis will be on balancing global engagement with cultural authenticity, and how creative industries contribute to India’s soft power and international appeal.
Diverse Programming and Future-Focused Dialogue
Beyond keynote sessions and panels, the 2026 programme promises a wide range of interactive formats. Over 70 speakers will participate across two days, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. Highlights include a fireside conversation with global film icon Priyanka Chopra, a policy hackathon conducted in collaboration with regional governments focusing on climate risk and sustainability, and a startup pitch competition offering more than 20,000 dollars in prizes.
These initiatives underscore the conference’s commitment to practical problem-solving and youth-driven innovation. By connecting students directly with decision-makers and industry leaders, the event fosters meaningful collaboration and idea exchange.
Shaping Conversations on India’s Global Future
As India’s economic, political, and cultural footprint continues to expand, platforms like the India Conference at Harvard play a crucial role in shaping informed global conversations. The conference has consistently served as a bridge between emerging Indian leaders and global influencers, offering a space where ideas are debated, challenged, and refined.
In its 23rd year, the conference stands not only as a reflection of India’s journey so far, but also as a canvas for imagining what lies ahead. Through dialogue, diversity of thought, and student leadership, it continues to contribute to a deeper understanding of India’s place in an interconnected world.