Dismissing political criticism from the BJP
Positioning the Hyderabad gathering as a counterweight to rising right-wing conservatism worldwide, Salman Khurshid, Congress leader and former minister for external affairs, outlined a long-term vision to establish the Bharat Summit-2026 as a permanent global fixture. Echoing Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka’s comparison to the World Economic Forum, Khurshid stated that the organisers aim to build a platform “larger than Davos” to showcase an inclusive, Congress-led vision of foreign and economic policy—combining global ideological dialogue with eight dedicated investment sessions focused on Telangana’s economic growth. Addressing delegates at the plenary session of Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Khurshid called for a renewed commitment to progressive global cooperation, strategic autonomy, and Global South solidarity. Speaking before representatives from nearly 70 countries, Khurshid framed the summit as an alternative international forum designed to counter divisive politics and revive India’s foundational diplomatic ethos.
Dismissing political criticism from the BJP that labelled the conclave “anti-Bharat,” Khurshid pushed back sharply, asking how an international forum celebrating India’s democratic spirit could ever be anti-national, adding that “saying that this is anti-Bharat is anti-Bharat.” On the sidelines of the event, he also voiced strong support for Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding allegations of phone surveillance, describing the issue as a grave breach of a core constitutional office.
Championing Non-Alignment and Global South Solidarity
Khurshid emphasized that the principles India once gifted to the world—Gandhian non-violence, the Non-Aligned Movement, a mixed economy, and progressive democratic thought—are more urgent today than ever before. Cautioning nations against locking themselves into rigid global power blocs, he argued that over-alignment inevitably restricts a country’s independent decision-making.
Instead, Khurshid urged India to act as a bridge-builder that brings nations together rather than taking sides in geopolitical rivalries. Highlighting shared transnational challenges such as climate change, he called for stronger institutional networks across the Global South and underscored the need to instill progressive values, national commitment, and global responsibility among younger generations.
Hyderabad Rises as a Global Stage for Progressive Dialogue-Bhatti
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka positioned the gathering as an emerging global forum for political, social, and economic equity. Welcoming over 1,000 elected representatives, policymakers, and intellectuals from more than 70 countries, he described hosting the summit for the second consecutive year under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy as a moment of pride for Telangana. Addressing delegates and the media on the occasion of Bharat Summit 2026 at Hitex in Hyderabad, “India is a developing and growing country. We do not want, and we should not lose our own identity by aligning with some foreign force. Nehru taught India how to grow big, stand on its own, and lead progressive elements and the development of nations.”
Defending Democratic Pillars and Voting Rights
Turning to the state of contemporary democracies, Vikramarka warned against a growing global trend in which ruling parties treat political opponents as adversaries to be silenced. Describing the ruling party and the opposition as the two indispensable pillars of any healthy democracy, he asserted that “in some countries the ruling parties are seeking to eliminate opposition and its leaders; this is detrimental to democracy. Respecting diverse opinions is an essential, integral part of democracy.” He also used the occasion to strongly oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, reaffirming that the right to vote is a fundamental constitutional guarantee. Declaring that the Congress party—from Rahul Gandhi down to grassroots workers—stands firmly against any effort to disenfranchise voters, he concluded, “The Congress is not just fighting for the voting rights of its own members and workers. It is speaking on behalf of every citizen in the country who faces the risk of losing their right to vote.”
Translating Global Partnerships into Jobs and Industrial Expansion-Sridhar Babu
Telangana IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu invited global leaders, investors, and progressive thinkers from nearly 70 countries to deliberate on pressing challenges including democracy, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the evolving global economic order. Highlighting Telangana’s robust industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policies, he assured full government support to global businesses. Sridhar Babu emphasized that the state’s core objective is translating international partnerships and investments into thriving industries and large-scale employment opportunities for youth, while fostering meaningful intellectual dialogue on the world future generations will inherit.
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