The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026 concluded as a high-impact platform for ideas and strategic dialogue, bringing together national leaders, global policymakers, industry captains, defence experts and thought leaders for two days of deliberations in the capital.

Anchored on the theme ‘Strength Within’, the summit, held on February 27 and 28 in New Delhi, focused on India’s expanding global stature, domestic transformation and its roadmap towards inclusive growth and strategic autonomy. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that India is returning to the pillars that once made it an economic powerhouse — manufacturing strength, quality production and sound economic policy.

The Prime Minister underlined that India’s rise is not the result of overnight change but of sustained resolve across generations. He noted that national potential is built gradually and that over the last 11 years a renewed energy has flowed into India’s consciousness as the country works to reclaim its lost strengths.

On Artificial Intelligence, Modi asserted that India is no longer a passive participant in global industrial shifts. “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers. But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and shaping them,” he said, highlighting the growth of India’s AI startup ecosystem and ongoing efforts to meet the energy demands of AI-driven data processing. He also described the recently held AI Impact Summit, attended by over 100 countries, as a proud milestone.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s readiness to expand exports, strengthen manufacturing and deepen its role in global supply chains. Referring to trade discussions with the United States, he said India remains engaged in dialogue with the US administration and is committed to safeguarding national interests while seeking competitive advantage in any prospective agreement.

Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo described India’s development as “self-sustaining” and strategically vital for Asia’s balance of power. He observed that India’s global standing had strengthened when it resisted external pressure at critical junctures, asserting that such firmness enhanced its international credibility.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed that technology and infrastructure are twin engines of growth. He highlighted the importance of trust in AI deployment and pointed to India’s IT sector adaptability, recalling how Indian firms built global credibility during the Y2K transition.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined India’s ambition to lead in 6G technology. He said the Bharat 6G Alliance, envisioned in 2023, has mobilised the entire value chain towards research and development, with India collaborating with over 30 countries and contributing to global standard-setting efforts.

The summit also featured global voices. The UK’s former Chief of Defence Staff Nick Carter remarked that India possesses the political clout, leverage and economic weight to chart its own course and deserves a seat at the table of great powers, including at forums such as the UN Security Council.

Other distinguished participants included former US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, ambassadors May-Elin Stener of Norway, Philipp Ackermann of Germany and Jan Thesleff of Sweden, technology expert Patrick McGee, military aviation historian Tom Cooper and defence strategist Adrian Fontanellaz. Their presence underscored India’s expanding diplomatic and economic footprint.

The summit was supported by a broad coalition of partners, with Jio Financial Services as Presenting Partner. Co-Presenting Partners included PhonePe and DS Group. The event was Powered By Pernod Ricard India, with Kia Seltos as the Driven By Partner. State partners included the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, alongside institutional and corporate collaborators such as ITC, WeWork India, DTDC, Vikram Solar, Essar, the National Stock Exchange of India, M3M Foundation and Reliance Industries Limited.

Through discussions spanning economic reform, AI governance, defence modernisation, sustainability and culture, the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026 reinforced India’s image as a confident democracy and emerging global power, firmly anchored in its civilisational strength and determined to shape the global agenda.