New Delhi, September 17, 2025 : The Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) is set to host its 12th Annual Forum, its flagship event, on 18-19 September 2025 in New Delhi. Since its inception in 2008. PAFI’s Annual Forum has grown to become the country’s premier knowledge and networking platform for the public affairs community. The forum will be inaugurated by Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and Minister of Railways, Government of India.
The 12th Annual Forum, themed India and the World — Collaboration – Connectivity – Competitiveness, will bring together thought leaders to deliberate on current global complexities, changing geopolitical narratives and the role of the private sector in aiding India’s emergence as a global power. With 16 insightful sessions focused on supply chain partnerships, infrastructure transformation, and innovation-led reforms, the Forum will highlight pathways for achieving India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. This year, the State of Telangana has joined as the Official Partner State, underscoring the importance of state leadership in strengthening India’s economic and global engagement.
The plenary session will be addressed by Hon’ble Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and Minister of Railways, Government of India. The Honorable Minister will also launch ‘The Policy Pivot: Inside India’s Strategic Shift’, a landmark collection of insights from leading public policy and affairs experts. The Policy Pivot brings together 25 essays by leading practitioners in public policy and public affairs, offering an insider’s view of India’s strategic journey. The book has been edited by Ajay Khanna, Co-Founder PAFI, and Rahul Sharma, Past President & Founding Member, PAFI and Managing Director, US India Business Council (USIBC).
Some of the other eminent speakers at the forum include Shri Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India; Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India; Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister, Government of Telangana; Philip D Murphy, Governor of New Jersey, USA,; Borge Brende, President and CEO, World Economic Forum; and Amitabh Kant, Senior Adviser, Fairfax, Former G20 Sherpa, India, Former CEO, NITI Aayog.
This year’s Forum brings together an impressive line-up of Secretaries, former Ambassadors, Members of Parliament, Editors, Media leaders and senior sectoral experts who will dive into some of the most pressing issues of our time — from shifting geopolitics and the rise of artificial intelligence, to global economic frameworks, next-gen reforms, and India’s role in emerging world orders.
This year’s Forum will showcase 80+ distinguished speakers across 16 sessions, providing a rich dialogue on India’s journey of transformation and its engagement with the world.
Chetan Krishnaswamy, President, PAFI, said, “PAFI’s Annual Forum has evolved into a space where ideas take shape and collaborations are forged. This year’s theme will celebrate the synergy of government vision and private sector’s spirit as drivers of India’s growth story. The collaboration with the State of Telangana is a testament to how forward-looking state policies can drive India’s rise on the global stage.”
Ajay Khanna, Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus – Annual Forum, PAFI, said, “As geopolitical uncertainties reshape the global landscape, the 12th Annual Forum offers thought leaders and practitioners a platform for strategic dialogue on India’s evolving role in the world order. This is the moment for businesses to think long-term, act decisively, and forge impactful partnerships with counterparts and government to strengthen India’s global ascent. Our collaboration with Telangana is a particular point of pride, showcasing how strong state leadership and forward-looking policies contribute to India’s competitiveness and global connectivity.”
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