TV9 Network’s flagship conclave, the ‘What India Thinks Today Summit 2026’, concluded successfully after two days of wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi, bringing together an influential mix of political leaders, policymakers, sports personalities, artists and technology innovators. Positioned as one of India’s most expansive multi-domain summits, the event examined the forces shaping contemporary India and its evolving role on the global stage.

As per a press release, the summit served as a platform for conversations spanning governance, geopolitics, cricket, cinema, artificial intelligence, culture and spirituality—reflecting the diversity of voices and ideas driving the country’s future.

The summit opened on March 23 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the keynote address on the theme “India and the World.” Marking his third consecutive appearance at the platform, the Prime Minister addressed global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling for restraint and compassion. He emphasised that despite global uncertainties, India has maintained its development momentum, with infrastructure and policy initiatives continuing across regions.

A strong focus on governance and politics saw participation from several Chief Ministers representing diverse political perspectives. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy outlined a people-centric governance model, drawing comparisons between regional development approaches while highlighting concerns around representation of southern states. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav spoke on internal security, asserting that Left-wing extremism had been effectively addressed in the state, alongside rising investor confidence and preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended his government’s track record, citing fulfilled electoral promises, closure of toll plazas and initiatives like the Sadak Suraksha Force. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar expressed confidence in his party’s prospects in upcoming elections, while dismissing allegations against him as politically motivated.

Geopolitics and national security formed another key pillar of discussion. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia articulated India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in digital infrastructure, highlighting the country’s rapid 5G rollout, expansion of 4G connectivity and push for indigenous telecom development. His remarks reinforced India’s growing confidence as both a consumer and creator of advanced technologies.

The summit also spotlighted India’s sporting success, particularly in cricket. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly shared insights on leadership and team culture, advocating trust and player freedom as key to success. Reflecting on great captains, he backed MS Dhoni for his World Cup-winning achievements, while diplomatically avoiding comparisons between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

A dedicated focus on technology and innovation came through the AI² Awards 2026, which recognised excellence in AI-driven creativity and storytelling. The initiative highlighted the growing convergence of artificial intelligence and human imagination, underlining the role of emerging technologies in reshaping content and communication.

Beyond politics and technology, the summit delved into cultural and social discourse. Poet and Kathavachak Kumar Vishwas reflected on India’s concept of Dharma, emphasising its depth beyond conventional interpretations. Lyricist Sameer Anjaan and storyteller Neelesh Misra engaged in a conversation around evolving music trends and creative responsibility, sparked by recent debates in popular culture.

Over two days, WITT 2026 emerged as a dynamic platform for dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives to map India’s trajectory across sectors. The summit’s scale and participation underscored its growing relevance as a space for meaningful conversations shaping the nation’s future.