The Alpine town of Davos is hosting the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 from January 19 under the theme ‘A Spirit of Dialogue,’ amid global economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions, and technological change.
India is sending one of its largest delegations, including four Union Ministers, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi, and K. Rammohan Naidu, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Six Chief Ministers are attending to promote their states as investment destinations.
The India Pavilion highlights "Partner with Bharat and subscribe to the future," with IT giants like Wipro, TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Tech Mahindra showcasing AI innovations. Several states are presenting investment opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, clean energy, and digital services.
On day one at Davos, India focused on readiness rather than rhetoric. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set the tone with a blend of cultural diplomacy and economic goals. He announced plans for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and introduced the ‘MahaNRI Connect’ platform to connect the global Marathi diaspora to the state.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted India’s rapid economic growth under Prime Minister Modi, with Assam emerging as the country’s fastest-growing economy. He invited global investors to explore opportunities in hydrocarbons and green energy. Sarma also met Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to discuss strengthening Assam's semiconductor industry, marking the state's debut at Davos as a rising investment hub.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum in Davos announced that India and the EU are nearing a historic trade agreement, which could transform global commerce and supply chains.
She described the agreement as part of Europe's strategy to prioritise "fair trade, partnership, and sustainability." Von der Leyen confirmed she would visit India soon to finalise details, emphasising that the deal would create a market of two billion people, representing nearly a quarter of global GDP, and offer European companies a strategic advantage in one of the fastest-growing regions.
Seven Indian tycoons join Trump at WEF reception
The world's elite, including US President Donald Trump, are gathering in the Swiss Alps amid rising global uncertainty, with much focus on Trump's return to the World Economic Forum after six years.
He will deliver a keynote address and host a high-level reception, attended by seven influential Indian business leaders: Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons), Sunil Bharti Mittal (Bharti Enterprises), Srini Pallia (Wipro), Salil S. Parekh (Infosys), Sanjiv Bajaj (Bajaj Finserv), Anish Shah (Mahindra Group), and Hari S. Bhartia (Jubilant Bhartia Group).
Indian business leaders' strong presence at the World Economic Forum underscores India's growing influence as global supply chains and investments shift. As India and the US discuss a new trade framework, Trump's return to Davos highlights rising geopolitical tensions, including his Greenland proposal, which has strained ties with European allies.
