From India to the World: Harvard’s Premier India Conference Returns with a Focus on Global Leadership

The India Conference at Harvard is an annual student-run conference recognized globally as a premier forum for discussions on India's evolving role on the global stage. The upcoming edition of the conference will return on February 15 and 16, 2025 with the theme, “From India to the World,” and promises a compelling exploration of India’s impact on global business, policy, and cultural landscapes. Set across the Harvard University campus—the conference highlights India’s expanding global footprint through engaging dialogue, featuring diverse speakers from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

Now in its 22nd edition, the India Conference draws audiences from across the globe, including policymakers, business leaders, academics, and students. Through a thoughtfully curated program, the conference will address India’s achievements and challenges, offering insights into how India is contributing to and benefiting from global developments. The Conference team emphasizes the importance of academic rigor, balanced perspectives, and evidence-based discussions. 

The conference offers over 30 panels and discussions to its attendees, offering insights across a broad range of themes. Economic topics will include India’s ambitious path to becoming a developed country by 2047, with speakers discussing India’s growth strategies and its trade and international relations on the global stage. The conference will be a platform to discuss deepening US-India relationships with leaders like Ashok Malik from The Asia Group and Dr. Mukesh Aghi (USISPF) sharing avenues of strategic collaboration between the two nations.

Leaders from India’s prominent tech companies like Punit Goyal from BluSmart (India’s largest EV ride hailing service) and Awais Ahmed from Pixxel (spacetech company building a constellation of imaging satellites) will  feature a deep dive into technology and innovation with a focus on AI, space, defense, and digital public infrastructure. From investors like Anjali Bansal, who recently raised $135M as part of Avaana Capital’s climate fund and Nirmal Jain (Founder & Chairman, IIFL Group), to the CEO of the National Stock Exchange, Ashish Chauhan, various experts will be discussing the opportunity for India’s investing ecosystem and the way ahead. The conference will also host a startup pitch competition for all Indian-origin innovators with more than $15,000 in grant awards for winners. 

Climate change will take center stage as well, with panels focused on India’s climate leadership, climate tech innovation, and sustainable grassroots movements. A policy hackathon, in partnership with the Indian School of Business, focused on the impact of climate change is being organized with the conference. A segment of the conference is dedicated to cultural diplomacy, showcasing India’s influence in arts, fashion, sports, and film. Participants will hear from acclaimed Indian artists and cultural icons, including filmmakers and fashion designers like Sabyasachi and Swapna Dutt. 

The conference will also cover societal issues through panels on Indian democracy, gender equity, caste and its evolution, and media freedom, featuring notable journalists and activists like Saurabh Dwivedi (Lallantop) and Meena Kandasamy. With perspectives from both within and outside of India, the discussions will provide critical insights into the social dynamics that shape modern India. Cultural performance and networking mixers will allow participants to engage in informal discussions, and celebrate India’s vibrant culture.

The India Conference at Harvard 2025 aims not only to discuss India’s current trajectory but also to inspire future collaborations that leverage India’s strengths on the world stage. Through this conference, Harvard students bring together the voices that shape India’s path, fostering a space for dialogue and connection. Interested attendees and sponsors can visit the new website (https://www.indiaconferenceharvard.com/) to learn more about the conference and secure their tickets. 

As India continues to make strides on the global stage, the India Conference at Harvard 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the ideas and people driving this dynamic transformation. Save the dates — February 15-16, 2025 — for an engaging and insightful celebration of India’s journey from a diverse, dynamic nation to a global leader.