The ET Now Global Business Summit is set to begin next week in New Delhi, bringing together an influential gathering of global CEOs, senior diplomats, policymakers, industry strategists and economic thought leaders. Organised annually by ET NOW, the summit has evolved into one of India’s most prominent global economic forums, offering a platform for cross-border dialogue on investment trends, geopolitical risk, technological transformation and global growth strategies.
Officials confirmed that the 2026 edition will focus on the future of global trade, the rise of artificial intelligence in industry, climate-linked economic challenges and the shifting geopolitical alignments shaping global business. The summit comes at a critical moment as India strengthens its position in the global economic order following recent progress in free trade agreements and sustained business confidence.
High-Level Participation Expected at the 2026 Summit
Senior organisers announced that the event will feature participation from over 60 international speakers across 25 countries. Delegates include CEOs of major multinational corporations, senior government officials, sovereign wealth fund representatives, and senior diplomats from Asia, Europe, the Gulf, Africa and North America.
The Government of India is expected to send a high-level delegation, with discussions planned on India’s role in global supply chains, capital flows and emerging technologies. International business leaders will present sectoral insights on manufacturing, capital markets, AI-led productivity, and sustainable infrastructure financing.
Diplomatic attendees from partner nations have indicated that the summit provides a crucial platform for strengthening bilateral and multilateral commercial ties. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India’s rising global influence and its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies continue to attract high-profile participation.
Key Themes and Strategic Focus Areas
This year’s summit will be structured around major themes that reflect global economic shifts and India’s evolving leadership role. Discussions will cover structural realignments in world trade, supply-chain resilience, new technology cycles and emerging geopolitical tensions affecting business decisions.
Senior economists noted that the 2026 summit comes at a time when global market volatility, energy transitions and technology disruptions have created both uncertainty and opportunity. Organised panels will address how companies and governments can prepare for the next decade of economic transformation through resilient policy frameworks and strategic investment planning.
Organisers highlighted that one special session will focus on India’s expanding role in global investment flows, driven by recent economic reforms, growing manufacturing capacity and international partnerships established through trade agreements.
Major Agenda Highlights for 2026
• Global CEO Roundtable: Featuring leaders from top multinational firms discussing global growth prospects, capital allocation trends and AI-driven competitiveness.
• Diplomatic Dialogue on Geopolitics: Senior diplomats from the U.S., EU, Japan and the Gulf analysing shifting geopolitical equations and their impact on global business environments.
• India’s Economic Outlook Session: Presentations from Indian policymakers on investment reforms, trade expansion, and digital economy initiatives shaping India’s next phase of growth.
• Technology and Innovation Forum: Focused on the future of artificial intelligence, automation and digital infrastructure in global industry.
• Sustainable Growth and Climate Strategy Panel: Addressing green finance, renewable transitions and global commitments for climate-compliant growth.
Economic Significance and Expected Outcomes
Economists noted that the Global Business Summit has historically played a significant role in shaping investor sentiment by providing clarity on India’s policy stance and global economic direction. In 2025, the summit contributed to enhanced investment flows, with several multinational corporations announcing expansions into India’s technology, logistics and manufacturing sectors following the event.
The 2026 edition is expected to generate similar momentum, especially given India’s recently strengthened position in global trade negotiations with major partners. Industry analysts believe the summit may catalyse new cross-border collaborations, joint ventures, digital-technology partnerships and supply-chain diversification strategies aligned with India’s growth potential.
Government officials highlighted that discussions at the summit will feed into India’s medium-term policy planning, particularly in sectors like energy, AI, advanced manufacturing and global finance. The event also positions India as a leading voice in global economic policymaking at a time when emerging markets are shaping the next wave of global demand.
Conclusion
The Global Business Summit 2026 comes at a pivotal time for the world economy and offers India a strategic moment to showcase its expanding global influence. With participation from top CEOs, diplomats and policymakers, the summit is expected to drive new insights, partnerships and long-term economic cooperation across regions.
As global leaders converge in New Delhi next week, the discussions are expected to set the tone for strategic investment flows and future economic alignments. With a sharp focus on technology, sustainability, and cross-border trade, the summit underscores India’s emergence as a central player in shaping global business policy and economic direction for the decade ahead.