New Delhi: India’s evolving global stature and growing strategic influence will take centre stage as News18 Network, India’s leading multi-platform news network, hosts the Rising Bharat Summit 2026, the most prestigious thought leadership forum, on February 27–28, 2026, in New Delhi from 10 AM onwards.
The flagship event brings together policymakers, global diplomats, business leaders, strategists, innovators, and cultural icons for high-impact conversations shaping the future of Bharat.
Anchored around the theme — “Spotlighting Bharat’s Rise: Driven by Strength Within” — the summit aims to shape the narrative of a confident and self-assured Bharat, highlighting how domestic strength, policy vision and innovation are redefining India’s role on the world stage.
The two-day forum will feature a Keynote Address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting the tone for high-impact discussions on India’s economic momentum, geopolitical positioning and long-term aspirations for the coming decade.
Power-Packed Line-up Across Sectors
The summit will see participation from a distinguished lineup of leaders representing government, diplomacy, strategic affairs and industry.
Among the key ministerial voices at the summit are Piyush Goyal, Ministry for Commerce and Industry, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & IT; Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister for Communications & Development of North Eastern Region; and Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi.
The Global Diplomacy & Strategic Affairs segment will feature global voices such as George Yeo, former Foreign Minister of Singapore; General Sir Nick Carter, former Chief of Defence Staff, United Kingdom; Carlos M. Gutierrez, former US Secretary of Commerce; along with ambassadors including May-Elin Stener (Norway), Philipp Ackermann (Germany) and Jan Thesleff (Sweden).
Bringing perspectives from Industry, Innovation & Economic Leadership are prominent names, including veteran investor Ramesh Damani; David Tait, CEO, World Gold Council; Dr Vishal Sikka, Founder & CEO of Vianai Systems; and Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Co-founder, DeepTech Bharat Foundation.
Strategic, Cultural and Popular Voices
The summit will also host key conversations on defence, technology and emerging global challenges. The Defence, Technology & Thought Leadership segment includes Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of India; Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS; global tech and Apple expert Patrick McGee; military aviation historian Tom Cooper; and defence scholar and strategist Adrian Fontanellaz.
Adding cultural and sporting dimensions to the dialogue, the Culture, Sports & Popular Influence segment will feature actor, filmmaker and Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut, Olympic medallist and former World No.1 badminton player Saina Nehwal, Olympic medallist and former Indian hockey captain PR Sreejesh, cricketer Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal and former cricketer Mithali Raj, along with acclaimed film personalities Anil Kapoor, and Yami Gautam.
A Platform Shaping the Bharat Story
At a time when India is entering a decisive phase of growth, transformation and global engagement, the Rising Bharat Summit 2026 aims to move beyond headlines and encourage deeper conversations around policy, leadership, and innovation.
The summit is not just another event on the calendar; it will showcase how Bharat’s confidence, capability and strategic vision are reshaping global perceptions and defining the next chapter of India’s rise.
The much-awaited two-day summit will be broadcast and live-streamed across the News18 Network platforms and channels, as well as CNBC-TV18 and CNBC AWAAZ, starting at 10:00 AM.
-Based on Press Release
