Global Experts to Convene at Johns Hopkins Inaugural India Conference on Innovation, Development, and Global Partnerships

The two-day conference aims to highlight India’s global leadership and U.S.-India partnerships.

by SAH Special Correspondent May 2, 2025

By SAH Special Correspondent May 2, 2025 0 comments 3 minutes read

Courtesy: GKII

More than 70 global leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators will gather to highlight India’s growing global leadership and the transformative potential of cross-sector partnerships at the inaugural Hopkins India Conference, hosted by the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

The event will take place on May 9-10, 2025, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington D.C.

With the theme “Innovations & Partnerships for Global Progress,” the two-day conference will feature thematic sessions addressing critical global issues, including the economy, geopolitics, climate and health, higher education, digital health, artificial intelligence, and inclusive development.

Moderated by Johns Hopkins faculty, the sessions aim to deliver actionable insights by bridging research and real-world applications. The event is designed to catalyze high-impact collaborations that address pressing global challenges, according to a statement from GKII.

“The program dives into key topics including India’s $30 trillion economy ambition, U.S.-India partnership opportunities for the evolving geopolitical climate, emerging challenges in healthcare for infectious diseases, NCDs, and public health, and pathways to climate resilience,” added the statement. “Beyond mainstage sessions, attendees will engage in closed-door roundtables, cultural showcases, and a curated experience by SEWA designed to deepen dialogue and connection.”

Former Indian Minister of Education Smriti Irani will deliver the keynote address, focusing on enhancing women’s participation in the workforce and their contribution to India’s economic growth. Other notable speakers include former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan; Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran; and former U.S. Ambassador to India, Ambassador Arun Singh.

“The inaugural Hopkins India Conference launches at a time when global collaboration is more important than ever,” said Dr. Amita Gupta, Faculty Co-Chair of the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute. “This isn’t just about highlighting the Hopkins–India connection, it’s about creating a space where ideas turn into action, and partnerships lead to real-world progress.”

The conference will convene a diverse group of participants from multiple countries, disciplines, and sectors, spanning academia, government, philanthropy, civil society, and industry.

To deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora, GKII is partnering with Indiaspora and the American India Foundation. Indiaspora is a nonprofit network of global Indian-origin leaders committed to mobilizing the diaspora for positive change through collaboration, community engagement, and social impact.

Founded in 2020, the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute was established by Johns Hopkins University to coordinate and amplify its collaborations with Indian partners across research, education, and innovation.

“GKII is a dynamic university-wide platform committed to deepening knowledge and expertise on critical societal challenges with global implications,” added the statement. “Its primary mission is mobilizing the collective expertise of Johns Hopkins, fostering collaboration with Indian partners, and leveraging resources to drive positive societal change through impactful research, education, policy development, and practice.”

Registration is now open:

RSVP link: https://hopkinsindia.events.whova.com/registration/
Visit the conference website: https://indiainstitute.jhu.edu/hopkins-india-conference/