The NDTV Profit Conclave 2026, titled "India: The Real Deal," is underway in New Delhi on February 7, 2026, bringing together top policymakers, economists, and industry leaders to analyze India's evolving economic landscape. A key focus of the conclave is the recently forged India-US trade deal and its potential impact on India's growth trajectory and global economic position.

The conclave occurs during a significant period of global trade recalibration, highlighted by the India-US bilateral trade agreement and the India-European Union pact. These agreements are disrupting established supply chains and alliances while simultaneously creating new opportunities for India to expand its engagement with the global economy.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is headlining the event with a high-level dialogue centered on "Budget 2026: Betting on India". Sitharaman's participation is expected to provide valuable perspectives on how India is balancing fiscal discipline with its growth ambitions amidst global uncertainties. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is also participating, offering insights into the strategies, trade-offs, and negotiations that are shaping India's external trade policy.

The NDTV Profit Conclave 2026 aims to move beyond superficial discussions and delve into the choices, strategies, and opportunities presented by the evolving global trade environment. The discussions are intended to provide clarity on what the "real deal" means for India's economy and competitive edge, guiding future policy and business decisions.

Other notable participants include Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of DIPAM, who will provide an institutional perspective, and V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, who will offer macroeconomic insights. Industry leaders such as Rajiv Memani (Chairman and CEO of EY India and President of CII), Rahul Bharti of Maruti Suzuki, and Rajesh Sharma of Capri are also present to contribute to the discussions.

The announcement of the India-US trade deal followed nearly a year of negotiations. The agreement has been met with optimism across Indian markets, industry, and policy circles. The deal is expected to strengthen the India-US relationship and encourage foreign investors to view India favorably. One anticipated benefit is the reduction of tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% by the U.S..

The timing of the India-US deal, shortly after the announcement of the agreement with the European Union, demonstrates India's ability to navigate relationships in a complex global landscape. In the past year, India has also concluded major trade deals with the UK, New Zealand, and Oman.

The NDTV Profit Conclave 2026 is poised to be a crucial platform for dissecting the implications of these trade agreements and charting a course for India's economic future.