‘Ideas of India 2026’, which is going to be held on 27 and 28 February 2026 at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Mumbai, will be truly star-studded this time. Veterans from politics, cinema, sports, diplomacy, business and spirituality will discuss important issues of the country and the world on one platform. In this grand event that will last for two days, everyone from global thinkers to Bollywood superstars will present their views, making this platform a unique confluence of ideas and glamour.
Inaugural Session – From Lighting the Lamp to Global Discussion
The program will start with lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana. After this, Editor-in-Chief of ABP Network Atideb Sarkar will deliver the welcome address. Big names on international politics will share the stage on the very first day. Professor John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago will present his views on US-India relations and Yan Xuetong of Tsinghua University will present his views on China’s perspective. Special sessions will also be organized on global leadership and the changing world order.
Diplomacy and Strategy: From Neighboring Countries to the New World Order
‘In the ‘Neighbors on Fire’ session, former ambassadors of India to Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will discuss the regional situation. In the session ‘The New World Order’, the changing political and strategic circumstances of the world will be analyzed. Former RAW chief A.S. on India-Pakistan relations. The discussion between Dulat and former ISI chief Asad Durrani will be a special attraction.
Bollywood’s magic: from Shahrukh to Kangana
This stage will be decorated with stars. Shahrukh Khan (confirmation pending) can interact with the audience in the King of Bollywood session. Kangana Ranaut will discuss her four decade long career and politics in the ‘Queen of the Screen’ session. Pankaj Tripathi will share his experiences in ‘The Real in Reel’. Anil Kapoor will tell the story of his journey in the session ‘How to Own Your Stardom’. Sunil Shetty and Ahan Shetty will talk about family legacy and cinema in ‘Living Upto the Legacy’. Ishaan Khattar and director Neeraj Ghaywan will also be part of the discussion on real cinema.
Music & Entertainment: Suron Ki Mehfil
There will also be special sessions for music lovers. Shreya Ghoshal will talk about her global musical journey in ‘Going International’. Armaan Malik will share his experiences of Indipop and playback singing. Adnan Sami will discuss the relaxing world of music in ‘Songs that Heal’. Madhubanti Bagchi will narrate the story of chartbuster songs.
Sports heroes and young talents
Paris and Tokyo Paralympic gold medalists Praveen Kumar, Avani Lekhara and Sumit Antil will tell the story of struggle and success in the ‘Courage Under Fire’ session. Under-19 cricket team captain Ayush Mhatre and young cricketer Vihaan Malhotra will discuss the dreams of the new generation in ‘Teenage Triumphs’.
Economy, AI and future direction
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav (confirmation pending) is likely to speak on the state of India’s AI race. Dr. Pratyush Kumar and other experts will discuss the future of technology in ‘India’s AI Models’. Amitabh Kant will speak on self-reliant economy, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will discuss the state’s infrastructure vision.
Conclusion – Beyond ideas, direction of dialogue
The second day will conclude with a vote of thanks by Sumant Dutta, CEO of ABP Network. ‘Ideas of India 2026’ is not just a conclave, but a confluence of ideas, experiences and stars, where big personalities of the country and the world will come together on one platform and try to decide the direction of the future. This time the event is truly going to prove to be a “star-studded stage”.
