Piyush Goyal, Akshay Kumar to Sanju Samson: Big voices line up for Conclave 2026
India Today
The India Today Conclave 2026 returns this year amid a global churn and turmoil in the Middle East, with a wide spectrum of personalities, ranging from politics and diplomacy to entertainment and sports, set to reflect on challenges and topics that will define India's future.
At a time when the Middle East is in turmoil, and the world is navigating geopolitical tensions as well as economic uncertainty, the India Today Conclave 2026 will bring together the world's sharpest minds and most influential voices under one roof. For over two decades, India Today's flagship annual event has been a space where policymakers, diplomats, business honchos, film stars and sports icons have converged to express their views on pressing topics.
The two-day conclave returns this year amid a global churn, with a wide spectrum of personalities, ranging from politics and diplomacy to entertainment and sports, set to reflect on challenges and topics that will define India's future. It is not just a conclave, but an "Intelligence Exchange". This year, the theme is 'Breakthroughs and Breakdowns'.
The conversations will begin with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discussing how new global trade alignments could create fresh opportunities for India. Goyal has been the face of India's trade deal negotiations with several countries, including the European Union. However, the proposed trade deal with the US has not been smooth sailing, with eccentric Donald Trump in the White House. He is expected to delve into the challenges.
Geopolitics will remain a central theme. Sergio Gor, the US ambassador to India, will speak about the US's strategic priorities under Trump 2.0. The former DJ is also expected to give us a picture of the ongoing Iran war and what an endgame could look like. It will no doubt be a riveting session.
Diplomats from the Middle East, including ambassadors from Lebanon and Jordan, will also weigh in on the geopolitical situation in the region.
Day 2 (March 14) will also see geopolitical discussions continue with envoys from Germany, Italy and Spain analysing the evolving relationship between the US and Europe. This comes against the backdrop of Trump's recent threats to annex Greenland. Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa will also be in attendance, speaking about the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.
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