Global Business Summit 2026: Power Shift Era

Global Business Summit 2026 Signals a Century of Change

Global Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi feels less like a routine conference and more like a rehearsal for how the world will function over the next century. Under the theme “A Decade of Disruption. A Century of Change,” leaders are treating the shocks of the past ten years as the new baseline for policymaking and corporate strategy.

Pandemic disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, supply chain breakdowns, technology shifts and climate pressures are no longer seen as temporary turbulence. They are now central to long-term planning.

Strategic Sovereignty as the New Currency of Power

One of the most prominent discussions at the summit focuses on strategic sovereignty. Leaders argue that power is increasingly defined by secure supply chains, control over technology and trusted alliances rather than only GDP or military capability.

Technology and Security Interlinked

Speakers emphasised that if critical technologies, data systems, semiconductors or energy infrastructure are controlled externally, policy freedom becomes constrained. Cost efficiency alone is no longer sufficient. Nations are willing to trade some efficiency for redundancy, domestic capacity and trusted partnerships in sensitive sectors.

Finance as a Strategic Shield

Capital flows are also viewed through a strategic lens. Financial systems, inclusive credit structures and climate finance mechanisms are being positioned as resilience tools. In a world shaped by sanctions, currency volatility and market instability, capital can either amplify shocks or protect economies from them.

Industry 5.0 and the Return to Human Centric Systems

Another defining theme is Industry 5.0. The discussion moves beyond automation and robotics toward human-centric and resilient systems.

Beyond Automation

The debate is no longer about how quickly machines can replace people. Instead, leaders are asking how advanced technology can enhance human judgment, creativity, and decision-making.

Human and Machine Collaboration

Industry 5.0 emphasises sustainability, resilience and ethical responsibility. Repetitive and low-value tasks can be automated, while complex decisions and accountability remain human-led. Companies that successfully combine machine intelligence with human capability are expected to lead the next phase of global productivity.

India’s Rising Global Position

The summit also serves as a platform for India to signal its global ambitions. Leaders highlighted progress in non-fossil fuel power capacity, startup growth and innovation infrastructure.

Clean Energy and Capacity Targets

India achieved 50 per cent installed non-fossil fuel power capacity ahead of schedule and is pursuing a 500 GW non-fossil capacity target. These achievements strengthen its global climate credibility.

Startup and Innovation Ecosystem

India hosts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than 100 unicorns and over 10,000 startups receiving substantial investment since 2014. The narrative of Global Bharat positions India not just as a service provider but as a production hub, innovation centre and outward investor.

Energy Security and Infrastructure Transformation

Energy security remains central to long-term economic planning.

Resilient Power Systems

Discussions focus on building affordable, clean and secure power systems. This includes resilient grids, diversified energy sources and domestic manufacturing of clean technology hardware.

Strategic Energy Assets

Green hydrogen, electric mobility ecosystems and renewable manufacturing are increasingly framed as strategic assets. Energy capacity strengthens trade influence and geopolitical positioning.

Artificial Intelligence as a Transformational Force

Technology remains a defining driver of future economic power.

Opportunities and Risks

Leaders described artificial intelligence as a revolution larger than past industrial shifts. It holds potential for productivity, healthcare, governance and inclusion. At the same time, concerns include employment shifts, misinformation, cybersecurity threats and concentration of power.

Governance and Autonomy

Data governance frameworks, competition rules and cross-border standards will determine which nations benefit most. Securing domestic computing infrastructure and talent development is seen as essential for long-term strategic autonomy.

From Disruption to Long-Term Design

The summit marks a transition from reacting to disruption toward designing systems for the next century.

Lessons from a Turbulent Decade

Recent years have demonstrated the fragility of linear economic forecasts. Global shocks repeatedly disrupted conventional models.

Redefining Global Power

Decisions taken now regarding technology governance, trade structures, energy transitions, and human-centric industrial models will shape long-term competitiveness.

Global Business Summit 2026 is functioning as a strategic forum where nations and corporations are redefining power itself. For India, the message is clear: it aims not merely to adapt to global disruption, but to actively shape the architecture of the century ahead.