BS Manthan 2026: Shaping India’s Future Roadmap

The third edition of Business Standard Manthan will bring together senior policymakers, industry leaders and economists in New Delhi to discuss how India can position itself for the future in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

The two-day summit, scheduled for February 24 and 25 at Bharat Mandapam, is themed “Making India Future Ready.” It follows last year’s theme, “The Great Reset: India in a New World Order,” reflecting how global trade, tariffs and technology are reshaping economic priorities.

Key Ministers to Speak

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to share her perspective on India’s economic trajectory in a fireside chat on February 25, less than a month after the Union Budget.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will discuss infrastructure development and the future of connectivity.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to reflect on India’s evolving trade strategy and global agreements.

Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will speak about the farm economy and rural growth.

Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi will address the growing relevance of clean energy, particularly as artificial intelligence and data centres drive rising power demand.

Focus on AI and Global Shifts

The summit comes shortly after India hosted the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, which concluded with the New Delhi Declaration backed by dozens of signatories.

With artificial intelligence increasingly influencing industry, governance and employment, Manthan 2026 is expected to carry forward that conversation.

Discussions will explore how AI can support productivity, infrastructure expansion, and economic resilience — while also examining regulatory, talent and energy challenges.

A Platform for Debate

Suman Bery, Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, will speak on “A Path to Modern India” on the inaugural day.

The event will feature back-to-back panel discussions and fireside chats involving senior ministers, economists, industrialists and domain experts.

Organisers describe the summit as a forum for brainstorming on India’s role in a volatile geopolitical environment marked by shifting trade alliances and technology-driven disruption.

India’s Relevance in a Changing World

As global developments increasingly revolve around trade barriers, tariffs and technological transformation, the summit aims to assess how India can maintain momentum and adapt its policy frameworks.

Infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy and trade strategy are expected to feature prominently in discussions.

The broader objective is to identify practical pathways that can make India future-ready — balancing growth, innovation and resilience.

With policymakers and business leaders sharing the stage, Business Standard Manthan 2026 is positioned as a key platform to shape conversations around India’s economic and technological roadmap in the years ahead.