Indo-German Young Leaders Forum Conference 2026

Event Overview

The 7th Indo-German Young Leaders Forum convened in Berlin from June 25th to 28th 2026, bringing together 40 young leaders from India and Germany across business, politics, technology, media, and civil society. The conference took place at a moment of visible momentum in the bilateral relationship, underscored by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent visit to India. The message across every session was consistent: while political frameworks are being laid at the highest level, it falls to young leaders to act as the motor bringing both nations closer together.

Conference Highlights

Political Dialogue

The cohort met four members of the German Bundestag — Jürgen Hardt MdB, Ralph Brinkhaus MdB, Henri Schmidt MdB and Henning Rehbaum MdB — for discussions on the EU-India FTA, AI, data centres, Industry 4.0, defence, healthcare, renewable energy and the fair migration of skilled workers. A visit to the Federal Chancellery included a one-hour exchange with State Secretary Dr. Jörg Semmler. At an evening reception at the Embassy of India in Berlin the participants interacted with senior diplomats.

Working Groups

Five thematic working groups formed the analytical backbone of the conference: Geopolitics & Global Governance, Trade & Investment, AI & Digital Cooperation, Sustainable Transformation & Innovation, and Talent Mobility & Societal Integration. Launched by short briefings from introducers within the cohort, the groups presented their findings at the Hertie School through detailed reports and highly creative formats, transforming complex bilateral challenges into concrete proposals.

Leadership and Reflection

In an "assumptions check" session participants examined their preconceived notions and the ways ingrained assumptions can hinder cooperation. Another session saw the cohort analyse their AI-based leadership surveys in mixed Indo-German pairs, covering board-level diversity, the cultural assumptions embedded in European-built tools, and the role of self-efficacy in leadership.

Entrepreneurship

A Startup Night brought founders together for an unfiltered conversation on building across borders — product-market fit, German bureaucracy and grants, term sheets, and the value of the local founder community. The conference culminated in a Startup Competition at Carlsquare, where five teams pitched to a jury of established founders and investors

Media and Networking

An evening boat ride hosted by The Pioneer provided the setting for a panel on "The Role of Media for Society between India and Germany,". The discussion explored the responsibilities of the press and how media shapes societal perceptions in both nations.

Conference Conclusion

Across parliament, chancellery, diplomacy, university and startup ecosystem, IGYLF 2026 traced the full breadth of a relationship that has become deeply interconnected — and reaffirmed what the forum is at its best: serious ideas, creative energy, and genuine cross-border connection. IGYLF thanks all speakers, hosts and partners for making the 2026 conference possible.

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