Hopkins India Conference 2025

• Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora
• Arun Singh, Senior Counsellor, The Cohen Group; Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S.
• Sumona Guha, National Security Expert & Former Senior Director, South Asia, Former USG official
• Nisha Biswal, Senior Advisor, The Asia Group; Former Deputy CEO, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

The panel explored shared goals in counterterrorism and regional stability, the road toward a multi-sectoral Free Trade Agreement, and India’s growing role in global supply chains amid a “China Plus One” shift. Panelists also discussed expanding cooperation in emerging domains like AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies. Significantly, the conversation highlighted the rising importance of higher education and research partnerships as pillars of soft power between India and the U.S. The discussion conveyed optimism that we are entering a new era of collaboration, with India–U.S. ties poised to deepen across defense, technology, and people-to-people engagement.

• Tanvi Madan, Research Fellow, Brookings Institution
• Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow & Director, Indo-Pacific Security Program, CNAS
• Sadanand Dhume, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

At a critical moment in South Asia’s geopolitics, this panel examined India’s rising global stature amid shifting dynamics. From crisis diplomacy to strategic restraint, speakers unpacked how India navigates its neighborhood while eyeing a broader Indo-Pacific footprint. They discussed India’s evolving response to regional security challenges, including terrorism and competition with China, as well as its ambitions on the global stage.

The conversation highlighted the balance India seeks between addressing immediate neighborhood concerns and pursuing longer-term economic and strategic goals internationally. Panelists noted India’s expanding engagements – from QUAD and other multilateral forums to developmental partnerships in the Global South – as signals of its growing influence. The session provided nuanced insight into how India is positioning itself as a leading voice in an increasingly multipolar world.

• Kriti Upadhyaya, Founder, IndUS Tech Council, C2C Advanced Systems
• Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America
• Session Chair: Joshua White, Professor of the Practice, International Affairs, Johns Hopkins SAIS 

This forward-looking discussion explored the evolving landscape of strategic technology collaboration under the India–US TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative. Panelists delved into how both countries can deepen cooperation in defense innovation, critical and emerging technologies, and enabling policy frameworks that advance mutual interests. As global power dynamics shift and technology becomes central to geopolitics, the panel emphasized that strong India–US partnerships in tech and innovation are essential for long-term security, resilience, and economic growth. From co-developing next-generation telecom and AI standards to coordinating on cyber security and space exploration, the session highlighted TRUST as a framework to institutionalize tech collaboration. The panelists’ insights reinforced the need for continued dialogue and joint R&D initiatives so that India and the U.S. can together shape the standards and norms of new technologies in a way that benefits global stability.

In a far-reaching conversation on India’s economic trajectory, this special fireside chat explored the shifting dynamics of global trade, strategic vulnerabilities in supply chains, and the country’s long-term vision for growth. Dr. Nageswaran reflected on how the roots of today’s geopolitical and economic uncertainties—often seen as post-pandemic phenomena—can be traced back to the 2008 global financial crisis and its aftermath, which saw the rise of unconventional monetary policies and growing societal fissures.

Against this global backdrop, the discussion turned to how India can sustain high growth rates in a world marked by volatility. Some tailwinds identified included falling oil prices, the gradual gains from the “China Plus One” strategy, and policy reforms such as GST and tax relief for the middle class, which are enhancing purchasing power and investor confidence. The growing interest of multinational companies in relocating production to India was viewed as a promising trend—particularly in sectors like apparel, chemicals, non-electric machinery, and leather.

The conversation also addressed structural bottlenecks: energy affordability amid transition efforts, slow private capital formation, and the need to strengthen education, health, and skilling outcomes for the youth. The audience was reminded that India must create 8 million jobs annually over the next decade, and that emerging technologies like AI must be approached in ways that augment rather than replace labor.

• Ashwin Bharath, CEO, Galent, Co-Founder & CEO of Revature
• Sridevi Sarma, Vice Dean, Whiting School of Engineering
• Ritu Agarwal, Wm Polk Carey Distinguished Professor, Carey Business School
• Shibu Vijayan, Chief Medical Officer , Qure.ai

This dynamic session explored India’s potential to lead the global AI race by building not just AI talent, but an inclusive, context-aware, and future-ready digital nation. Panelists emphasized the need to move beyond an AI-ready workforce to an AI-ready society—with broad AI literacy, ethical safeguards, and strong infrastructure. India’s success, they argued, depends on shifting focus from automation to real-world problem-solving, empowering millions of skilled users—not just engineers—to leverage tools like large language models for public good.

In the healthcare context, AI was seen as a way to empower frontline workers with tools for scribing and protocol adherence. But the success of such efforts depends heavily on ease of adoption, industry training, and community trust. The panel raised critical questions about equity and access, especially around AI-driven job displacement and the diversity of data used to train models. India’s demographic diversity, they noted, must be reflected in datasets and algorithm design to avoid harmful biases and foster truly representative AI.

• Kanta Singh, Deputy Representative, UN Women India
• Shereen Bhan, Leadership Development Director, WomenLift Health
• Kalpana Kanthan, Chief Development Officer, American India Foundation
• Manuela Villar Uribe, Senior Health Specialist of the Health Nutrition and Population Global Practice, World Bank
• Session Chair: Anita Shet, Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Focusing on the human capital driving innovation, this panel examined how to move beyond simply getting women into STEMM fields (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math, Medicine) and towards ensuring women rise into leadership roles in these fields. The conversation centered on the systemic barriers women face – both visible and invisible – such as bias in hiring and promotion, the “leaky pipeline” due to lack of support during life transitions, and limited representation at decision-making levels. Panellists shared hard-earned lessons and strategies for fostering equity-driven leadership. Mentorship and sponsorship programs were highlighted as critical for empowering the next generation of women scientists and technologists to advance their careers. Structural reforms were also discussed, like family-friendly workplace policies and initiatives to combat harassment and gender bias in academia and industry. From global health research to tech innovation, the need for intersectional, sustained support systems was made clear.

As one speaker aptly put it, “Diversity isn’t just about representation, it’s about redesigning the rules of engagement.” The panelists agreed that true inclusion means changing organizational cultures and policies, not just filling quotas. They applauded ongoing efforts such as WomenLift Health’s leadership training and various fellowship programs targeting women in STEMM, while urging institutions to do more. The session ended on an inspiring note, celebrating the achievements of the women leaders present and encouraging all stakeholders to build “pathways of power” – not just pipelines – so that women can lead and shape the future of science and technology in both countries.

• Leah Mason, Deputy Director of Research, Evaluation and Learning, Institute of International Education
• Hanan Saab, Associate Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, Association of American Universities
• Sunil Kumar, President, Tufts University
• Rajika Bhandari, Co-Founder, SouthAsia-IEN (South Asia International Education Network)
• Shuchita Sonalika, Director and Head–North America, Confederation of India Industry (CII)

This panel brought together leaders in academia and policy to explore how cross-border partnerships in higher education can drive excellence, equity, and innovation. Discussions centred on the opportunities and challenges of internationalisation for Indian and U.S. institutions. With India now the largest source of international students in the U.S., the conversation focused on the potential of higher education to act as a bridge between the two countries—driving research, talent pipelines, and innovation. Panellists also touched on policy frameworks, noting recent developments allowing top foreign universities to establish campuses in India and vice versa, which could accelerate collaboration. The key takeaway was that internationalising curricula and research is not a zero-sum game; rather, by working together, Indian and American institutions can produce globally competitive talent and knowledge that benefits both societies.

• Reema Nanavaty, Director, Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
• Cathy Feingold, International Director, AFL-CIO; Deputy President, International Trade Union Confederation
• Vijayendra Rao, Lead Economist, Development Research Group, World Bank
• Session Chair:  Rina Agarwala, Professor of Sociology, Johns Hopkins University

Focusing on new models for equitable growth, this panel discussed how to center care, equity, and dignity in economic policy. Titled “Building Development Alternatives: An Economy of Nurturance,” the conversation moved beyond traditional extractive models of growth to envision systems that value informal work, women’s labor, and collective well-being. Panelists drew on examples from grassroots movements (like SEWA’s work empowering women in the informal sector) and global development frameworks to argue for reimagining economics as a tool for social justice. Key themes included the importance of acknowledging and investing in care work, creating safety nets for informal and gig economy workers, and incorporating principles of solidarity and mutual aid into policy design. The discussion was grounded yet hopeful, suggesting that by valuing “economies of care” and bottom-up development, policymakers can foster more inclusive and just growth.

• Mia Blakstad, Window Manager, Food & Nutrition, World Bank
• Yan Bai, Economist, World Bank
• James Thurlow, Director, Foresight and Policy Modeling, IFPRI
• Noora-Lisa Aberman, Research Lead, Gender Unit, GAIN
• Neha Kumar, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI

In this critical roundtable, experts examined how to make sustainable, nutritious diets accessible and affordable, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Speakers unpacked systemic barriers to healthy diets – ranging from cost and supply chain issues to social norms and gender inequalities – and highlighted the need for comprehensive food policy reform. They discussed strategies like smarter subsidy design for nutritious foods, behaviorally-informed public health campaigns (to shift dietary preferences), and integrating nutrition goals into agricultural and trade policies. The conversation also addressed challenges of scaling food system changes in the face of climate pressures, market concentration, and competing development priorities.

• Alka Dwivedi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, National Cancer Institute
• Surendranath S. Shastri, MD, Anderson Cancer Center
• Kala Visvanathan, Professor in Epidemiology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University
• Sanjay Shete, Betty B. Marcus Chair in Cancer Prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Session Chair: Nilanjan Chatterjee, Professor of Biostatistics and Genetic Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University 

Experts reflected on the country’s rising cancer burden and the urgent need to bridge gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Speakers traced the shifting epidemiology of cancers—particularly breast, gastrointestinal, and HPV-related types—and examined how late detection and uneven access to care continue to drive poor outcomes. Panellists highlighted systemic challenges such as fragmented referral pathways, low availability of affordable diagnostics, and weak integration between population data, research, and health delivery systems. They also explored the role of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled screening tools and smartphone-based diagnostic platforms, while cautioning that digital innovation must be built on robust, representative data.

The discussion featured promising models of public-private-academic collaboration, including India’s successful development of indigenous CAR T-cell therapy at a fraction of the cost of international alternatives. Panelists underscored the need to strengthen institutional frameworks and invest in equitable delivery systems—reminding us that many lives are lost not due to a lack of solutions, but a lack of structures to implement them at scale.

• Richard Chaisson, Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins University
• Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist, World Health Organization
• Session Chair: Amita Gupta, Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University (GKII Faculty Co-Chair)

India has set an ambitious goal to end TB by 2030—five years ahead of global targets—and this panel explored how the country can turn that goal into reality. Experts discussed India’s multifaceted approach to TB elimination, highlighting both progress and remaining gaps. Public engagement and stigma reduction were highlighted as key to ensuring early care-seeking behaviour, while the importance of strong surveillance systems and operational research was underscored as essential to tackling drug-resistant strains. The conversation also spotlighted how academic partnerships are supporting evidence-based policy and implementation in high-incidence districts, and how global lessons can inform national progress. Speakers emphasised that ending TB in India will require coordinated efforts across sectors—government investment in health systems, private sector innovation, and community-level support for patients.

• M R Rajagopal, Chairman Emeritus, Pallium India Adjunct Professor of Global Oncology, Queen’s University, Canada
• Carolin Elizabeth George, Head, Department of Community Health, Palliative care & Research, Bangalore Baptist Hospital
• Bhavna Seth, Assistant Professor of Medicine; Director Global Health, Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Sweety Thomas, Chief of Staff, Ajit Isaac Foundation
• Session Chair: Avani Prabhakar, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

This deeply moving panel explored how palliative care in India is evolving from a marginalized service to a foundational pillar of mainstream healthcare. Once misunderstood as a last-resort or end-of-life measure, palliative care is now being reframed as a holistic approach to alleviating suffering—physical, emotional, and spiritual—throughout serious illness. Speakers traced the discipline’s gradual rise in national importance, spotlighting key milestones such as the 2014 launch of India’s National Palliative Care Strategy and progressive state-led models like Kerala’s globally recognized community-based network. The panel emphasized the significance of the 2018 amendment to India’s narcotics regulations, which eased access to pain-relief medications such as morphine—long restricted by cumbersome legal and logistical barriers. Yet, challenges persist: inconsistent supply chains, lack of trained personnel, and patchy integration into public health systems remain major obstacles, especially in rural and underserved regions.

In response, panellists shared promising innovations from across the country. Karnataka’s effort to embed palliative care into its Panchayati Raj system was presented as a model of “first-mile” service delivery—meeting people where they are, through local task forces and convergent governance structures. Speakers also called attention to critical systemic gaps, including the absence of palliative care training in most medical and nursing curricula. Without this foundation, healthcare professionals may lack both the skills and mindset to provide compassionate, person-centred care. Panelists urged that palliative care be seen not as a “frill” or postscript, but as a core component of universal health coverage and human dignity.

• Chris Beyrer, Professor of Medicine & Director, Duke Global Health Institute
• Monica Gandhi, Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
• Shruti Mehta, Dr. Charles Armstrong Chair & Bloomberg Centennial Professor in Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Moupali Das, Vice President, Clinical Development, HIV Prevention and Virology Pediatrics Head, HIV Prevention, Gilead Sciences
• Session Chair: Sunil Solomon, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine; Director, Centre for Infectious Diseases India, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

At a moment of shifting global health funding, this powerful panel considered India’s growing leadership in the global HIV response. As foreign aid for HIV programs retracts, panelists called for bold collaboration between Indian industry, philanthropy, and government to safeguard care for the most vulnerable – especially LGBTQ+ communities and women at risk. The speakers each reflected on India’s legacy in HIV innovation, manufacturing, and service delivery. They noted that India’s contributions (from affordable generic antiretrovirals to large-scale treatment programs) have been game-changing globally.

With donors like PEPFAR facing uncertainties, India has a chance to step up as a champion for key populations and ensure hard-won gains are not lost. A recurring theme was sustainability: how to transition from internationally funded programs to domestically supported ones without disruption. The panel’s vision for the future of HIV leadership is one grounded in equity, resilience, and global solidarity – with India playing a central role through its scientific expertise, generics industry, and commitment to inclusive healthcare.

• Lawrence Appel, Professor, Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Prabir Roy-Chaudhury, Professor of Medicine; President, American Society of Nephrology; Co-Director,, University of North Carolina (UNC) Kidney Center
• Dinesh Nair, Sr . Health Specialist, World Bank
• Tara Thiagarajan, Founder & Chief Scientist, Sapien Labs Session Chairs:
• Chirag Parikh, Director, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Uttara Bharath Kumar, Associate, Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

This timely panel tackled what was termed the “new pandemic” – the explosive rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in India. From chronic kidney disease and hypertension to diabetes, cancer, and youth mental health, the discussion unpacked the complex web of drivers behind India’s NCD crisis. Panellists pointed to lifestyle changes (rising obesity and sedentary behavior), dietary shifts toward processed foods and high salt intake, environmental toxins, and the strains of urbanization and social fragmentation as contributors to poor health outcomes.

The conversation was data-rich: speakers shared new findings from Tamil Nadu’s doorstep NCD screening program, evidence of generational declines in mental wellbeing, and stark cost disparities that make treatments like dialysis unaffordable for most Indians. Yet, the panel also spotlighted low-cost, high-impact interventions that could transform outcomes – such as team-based care models for chronic disease management, early screening and referral systems integrated into primary care, and innovations like salt substitutes to reduce hypertension. The clear message was that tackling NCDs will require much more than clinical treatment alone. It demands structural reforms (like healthier urban planning), widespread behavior change, and a reimagining of health systems to center prevention, equity, and community-based care. India’s response to its NCD epidemic, the panel suggested, could become a blueprint for other countries facing similar challenges.

• Rajani Ved, Director of Health, Gates Foundation
• Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, New Initiatives and Innovations, JHPIEGO
• Krishna Rao, Associate Professor, Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Session Chair: Sara Bennett, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of International Health; GKII Faculty Co-Chair, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

This expansive discussion focused on India’s journey in strengthening primary health care and the unfinished agenda that lies ahead. With the rollout of Ayushman Bharat and Health and Wellness Centres, India has a unique opportunity to reimagine frontline health systems. Panellists reflected on the progress made in expanding comprehensive primary care coverage, while candidly highlighting persistent gaps. Key challenges discussed included: governance and accountability in healthcare delivery, integration of digital health tools, addressing urban health needs, and extending care beyond maternal and child health to encompass NCDs and mental health at the primary level. The role of telemedicine, last-mile diagnostics, and electronic health records in improving continuity of care – particularly in under-resourced and rural areas – was examined through case studies.

Throughout the conversation, the need to balance innovation with ground realities was a recurring theme. Empowering frontline health workers and centering community engagement emerged as essential strategies for making primary health systems more equitable and resilient. The panelists’ insights reinforced that achieving Universal Health Coverage in India will require not only scaling up services, but also ensuring quality, continuity, and community trust in the health system.

• Marelize Gorgens, Lead, Digital and AI for Human Capital, The World Bank
• Rama Chellappa, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Interim Co-Director, Johns Hopkins Data Science and AI Institute
• Shibu Vijayan, Chief Medical Officer , Qure.ai
• Session Chair: Smisha Agarwal, Director, Center for Global Digital Health Innovation, JHBSPH

In this dynamic panel, experts explored the promise and complexity of embedding digital innovation in health systems across the Global South. A key insight was the need to shift from viewing “digital 9 health” as a silo or standalone solution, to instead embracing “digital in health” – meaning technology integrated thoughtfully into every facet of healthcare delivery and systems. The panelists challenged the notion that AI or apps alone can “solve” health gaps; instead, they stressed that success depends on how well digital tools are integrated with real-world infrastructure, workflows, and human systems. Case studies from India illustrated both the promise and the friction of implementation. For example, deploying an AI-powered TB diagnostic tool in rural clinics showed great potential, but also revealed the importance of training healthcare workers and ensuring follow-up in the community. Another example discussed was the proliferation of health apps for frontline ASHA workers – a boon for data, but sometimes overwhelming without integration and interoperability.

The panel also raised cautionary points about data governance and equity. They warned of the risks of digital colonialism, where vast health data from countries like India flow to a handful of global tech firms without adequate local benefit or control. As generative AI and big data tools become more embedded in patient care, speakers called for local data sovereignty, regulatory foresight, and inclusive design that reflects diverse populations (not just high-income settings). Ultimately, the panelists agreed, digital innovation in health is not about flashy gadgets but about solving stubborn systemic problems with context-driven solutions.

• Anand Kapai, Vice President, Global Marketing, Siemens Healthineers
• Kunal Parikh, Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Jordan Shuff, Research Engineer, Johns Hopkins University
• Damini Agarwal, Chief Technology Officer, Infinite Biomedical Technologies LLC
• Session Chair: Youseph Yazdi, Johns Hopkins Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design (CBID)