Harvard India Conference 2025: showcasing India’s global influence and innovation
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The 2025 Harvard India Conference brought together some of the most influential voices across business, academia, policy, and entrepreneurship to discuss India’s impact on the global stage.
Centered around the theme "From India to the World," the event welcomed nearly 1,000 attendees and featured over 100 delegates who explored India’s growth trajectory and future roadmap.
Held at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, the two-day event provided a dynamic platform for thought leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on business, economics, healthcare, and innovation. Key highlights included a policy hackathon and a startup pitch competition, both of which showcased how technology can transform challenges into opportunities.
One of the major sessions focused on India's journey towards becoming a $30 trillion economy.
Speakers such as World Bank’s Somik Lall, entrepreneur Ritesh Malik, and 3one4 Capital’s Pranav Pai shared their insights. Additionally, fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee spoke about the role of Indian heritage in shaping global fashion trends.
The Indian healthcare industry also took center stage, with discussions on its potential to emerge as a global leader in life sciences and pharmaceuticals. A fireside chat between Bharat Biotech’s co-founder and Managing Director, Suchitra Ella, and journalist Gaurie Dwivedi explored how government policies and geopolitical shifts are accelerating this transformation.
Another significant session featured Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor, who discussed the increasing trend of Indian tech companies going public, resonating with the audience of young entrepreneurs and professionals.
A crucial discussion on the rise of the Global South explored new avenues for international collaboration, with insights from Mukesh Aghi (USISPF), Ambassador Rahul Chhara, and Fatema Sumar. The panel highlighted India’s strategic role in fostering cooperation across emerging economies.
The conference, recognised as the largest student-led event in the U.S., underscored India’s vast potential in global innovation and leadership. With evolving geopolitical landscapes, including policy shifts under the Trump administration, the coming decade is expected to open new frontiers in space and technology - areas where Indian entrepreneurs and scientists are poised to excel.