A private TED-branded gathering in Pathankot brought former European prime ministers and international figures together to highlight India’s economic growth, innovation and investment potential.
Former European and Indian dignitaries used a private gathering in Pathankot to present India as an increasingly compelling destination for overseas capital, with speakers focusing on economic expansion, innovation and the role of younger leaders in driving growth. The event, held under the TED banner and organised by Srijal Gupta, brought together former prime ministers from Italy, Romania, Moldova and Slovakia, alongside other international guests and Indian figures.
According to accounts of the meeting in The Tribune and other Indian outlets, former Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger described India as a country with strong investment potential and urged businesses to look at the opportunities offered by its fast-developing economy. He also drew a contrast between simply accumulating wealth and putting capital to productive use, framing investment as a way to support long-term development rather than short-term gain.
The programme also carried messages on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former US Vice President Al Gore, which gave the event a broader international feel. Former British Defence Minister Sir Grant Shapps highlighted the links between India and the United Kingdom, referring to Rishi Sunak’s Punjabi family background as a symbol of the cultural and political connections that continue to shape ties between the two countries. Indian attendees included former CBI special director and Border Security Force director general Rakesh Asthana and Supreme Court Bar Association president Pardeep Rai.
Before the discussions in Pathankot, several visiting dignitaries travelled to Amritsar to pay respects at the Golden Temple, underlining the ceremonial as well as political character of the trip. The event came against a wider backdrop of India’s efforts to position itself as a hub for investment and cross-border partnerships, including the government’s push for international infrastructure cooperation through initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
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