PM Modi to address ET World Leaders Forum 2026 in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026, to be held on August 21-22 at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. His address is expected to be the biggest draw at the summit.

India Inc, global investors and policymakers will be listening closely for signals on the government's next phase of reforms, as the country navigates an increasingly uncertain global order while remaining the world's fastest-growing major economy.

The International Monetary Fund expects India's economy to expand 6.4% this fiscal year.


At the event last year, Modi articulated his vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, saying the foundation of a developed India rests on a self-reliant India. He argued that Atmanirbhar Bharat should be judged on three parameters - speed, scale and scope - and cited India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic as evidence that it could deliver on all three even if global supply chains came to a standstill.

The Prime Minister said India, guided by the mantra of 'reform, perform and transform,' was well-positioned to help the world overcome slow growth. India, he added, was not a country that "throws pebbles into stagnant waters," but is one with the strength to redirect fast-flowing currents. A year later, that agenda has moved further.

Manufacturing remains at the centre of policy.

Investment Hub
Manufacturing is backed by investments in infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, semiconductor and electronics production, defence manufacturing and logistics.

The government's continued focus on ease of doing business and attracting global capital has reinforced India's position as one of the world's most closely watched investment destinations.

That makes this year's World Leaders Forum particularly significant.

More than 40 global speakers will debate the India opportunity at a time when boardrooms are rethinking supply chains, capital allocation and geopolitics. Over 300 of India's leading CEOs are expected to attend. As always, the conversations will span business, policy, technology and finance, bringing together political leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, academics and global thought leaders under one roof.

For many in the audience, however, the centrepiece will be the Prime Minister's address. It is expected to set the tone for two days of discussions on India's next phase of growth, artificial intelligence, geopolitics, technology-led disruption, attracting global capital and, of course, Bollywood's growing global influence.