Convening

Meridian’s Global Insights Mission to India: Exploring India’s Past, Present, and Future

Her Excellency Smriti Irani and Ambassador Stuart Holiday exchange gifts during the luncheon at The Oberoi Hotel hosted by Smriti Irani on February 25, 2025. In an unforgettable journey through Delhi, Jodhpur, and Agra, 21 Meridian delegates delved into the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic nations. From reconnecting with international exchange program alumni to engaging with policymakers, the delegation gained a firsthand look at India’s evolving role on the global stage as part of Meridian’s annual Global Insights Mission.

A Diplomatic and Political Deep Dive in Delhi The program kicked off in February 2025 in Delhi, where delegates explored the capital’s rich history and political significance. Visits to Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar set the stage for a deeper understanding of India’s cultural heritage. The delegation also had the privilege of touring the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, gaining insight into the nation’s political legacy.

A rare tour of India’s new Parliament House offered a front-row seat to the democratic heartbeat of the country and a chance to learn more about the intricacies of India’s legislative process in an institution that symbolizes the country’s dynamic and evolving political landscape. A highlight of the mission was engaging with prominent political figures, including Shri Rahul Gandhi, member of the Indian National Congress, as well as the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a distinguished Meridian IVLP alumna; Shri Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament; Her Excellency Smriti Irani, former Bharatiya Janata Party Cabinet Minister; and Former Ambassadors of India to the U.S., His Excellency Arun Singh and His Excellency Navtej Sarna.

Through candid discussions, the delegation gained nuanced perspectives on U.S.-India relations, domestic policies, and India’s global aspirations. Connecting Global Leaders and Exploring AI’s Future in India The Insights delegation also provided an opportunity to reconnect with alumni of Meridian’s exchange programs, including International Visitor Leadership Program and IVLP Impact Awardees in Delhi, which underscored Meridian’s commitment to continuing to engage with our global network of leaders shaping the future.

In Delhi, Meridian, in partnership with the General Catalyst Institute , hosted a thought-provoking discussion on the role of AI in India’s future. Bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, the panel explored government regulations shaping AI, the rise of India’s startup ecosystem, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Panelists included: Teresa Carlson, President, General Catalyst Institute; Ambassador Arun Singh, Former Ambassador of India to the U.S.; Shweta Rajpal Kohli, Founder and President of the Startup Policy Forum and IVLP alumna; and Venkatesh Krishnamoorthy, Country Manager, Business Software Alliance.

The panelists discussed India’s 'wait and watch' approach to AI regulation, which allows for stakeholder input and alignment with broader economic goals to ensure the responsible adoption of AI technologies. They also highlighted government-led digital initiatives such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital India Program, which aim to boost AI-driven innovation across sectors like healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.

The discussion also featured keynote remarks from Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General and CEO of the National Human Rights Commission of India, on the intersection of AI and human rights. In addition, Heidrick & Struggles India graciously hosted the delegation for an insightful conversation on the future of business and labor in India. Cultural Immersion in Jodhpur and Agra Leaving the political hub of Delhi, the delegation traveled to Jodhpur and Agra, immersing themselves in India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

In Jodhpur, they explored the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, a towering symbol of Rajasthan’s royal history, while gaining insight into its significant cultural preservation efforts. A meeting with His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur provided a deeper appreciation of cultural preservation in the region, polo’s growing role in the realm of sports diplomacy, and the Maharaja’s valuable diplomatic contributions.

The journey continued to Agra, where delegates witnessed the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal and walked through history at the Agra Fort. Reflections on an Unparalleled Experience This immersive mission provided delegates with invaluable perspectives on India’s evolving political, cultural, and technological landscape. Engaging with thought leaders, policymakers, and business innovators provided critical insight into forces shaping India’s future.

Beyond diplomacy, the personal connections forged through this exchange underscore the significance of global collaboration in tackling today’s most pressing challenges. The delegation visits Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during their visit to Delhi. Pictured: Combiz Abdolrahimi, Raj Barua, Teresa Carlson, Heather Florance, Stephenie Foster, Tom Healy, T.H. Fred Hochberg, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Gwen M.

Holliday, Barbara Kinosky, John Klein, Susan Klein, Brad Knox, Lisa Knox, Anna Lee, Matthew Lee, Shahin Mafi, Joan Marinaro, Maryam Mujica, Michael Pickrum, Jennifer Prescott, Mark Robinson, Stephanie Robinson, and Vijay Sharma. The delegation sits with Shri Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, during their visit to Delhi on February 24, 2025. Pictured: Combiz Abdolrahimi, Teresa Carlson, Heather Florance, Stephenie Foster, Tom Healy, T.H.

Fred Hochberg, Gwen M. Holliday, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Barbara Kinosky, John Klein, Susan Klein, Brad Knox, Lisa Knox, Matthew Lee, Anna Lee, Shahin Mafi, Joan Marinaro, Maryam Mujica, Michael Pickrum, Jennifer Prescott, Stephanie Robinson, Mark Robinson, Natalie Jones, Nicole Mularz, and Puru Trivedi. Maryam Mujica (General Catalyst), Teresa Carlson (General Catalyst), Shahin Mafi (Home Health Connection, Inc.), Natalie Jones (Meridian International Center), Joan Marinaro, Barbara Kinosky (Centre Law & Consulting), Jennifer Prescott (Amazon Web Services), Stephanie Robinson (Commission on Presidential Scholars for the U.S.

Department of Education), and Stephenie Foster (Smash Strategies) during lunch at Haveli Dharampura in Delhi, on February 24. Joan Marinaro, T.H. Fred Hochberg (Board Chair, Meridian International Center), and Tom Healy (Writer), in a rickshaw ride through Agra. Shweta Rajpal Kohli (CEO, Startup Policy Forum), Teresa Carlson (President, General Catalyst Institute), Venkatesh Krishnamoorthy (India Country Manager, Business Software Alliance), Ambassador Arun K.

Singh (Former Ambassador of India to the US), and Ambassador Stuart Holliday (CEO, Meridian International Center) at the General Catalyst Institute Reception on February 25, 2025, discussing the future of AI in India. Shri Manish Tewari, a member of the Indian National Congress, shares his insights with the delegation during a dinner at Indian Accent on Tuesday, February 25, in Delhi. The delegation visits the Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) in Delhi, gaining valuable insights into India’s political landscape.