News Broadcasting
Network18 & ORF present The India – US dialogues
New Delhi : Against the backdrop of the US President Barack Obama’s visit to India on the occasion of Republic Day, Network 18 in association with The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) brings together notable dignitaries from our two great democracies on one platform. The aim of this endeavour is to discuss shared challenges and common goals in an effort to chart a blueprint for an ambitious & constructive India – U.S. strategic partnership.
This is a historic moment in bi-lateral relations between the two countries as President Obama is not only the first sitting president to visit India for the second time but also the first to attend the festivities of Republic Day as Chief Guest. In this context, The India-US Dialogues aims to mirror this emerging dynamism in our relations.
The initiative will see some of the most respected names from both sides examining key areas that are pivotal in this partnership. Topics ranging from Trade and Business, Regional Security Challenges, Energy Security and Sustainable Development, to Defence and Technology Cooperation will be deliberated upon in separate panel discussions. At the same time, the expert panel will also ideate out-of-the-box solutions for the two governments to consider, providing the audience with informed, in-depth analysis of the issues at hand.
The US is represented by thought leaders who have either worked in the administration or are a guiding force in the US rebalance to Asia, with a central role for India. The Indian side is being represented by key ministers tasked with shaping the next big leap in Indo-US ties. The business side is duly represented by heavyweights from both sides.
Policy makers and thought leaders in attendance would include Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change; Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Railways; Ram Madhav, General Secretary, BJP; Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance; Vikram Singh, Former Assistant Secretary Defence; Phil Shaw, CEO, Lockheed Martin India; Tom Cutler, President, Cutler International LLC; Diane Farrell, President US-India Business Council and Anand Mahindra, Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Group.
The full day event will be hosted on Sunday, January 25 at ‘The Oberoi’, New Delhi with a curtain raiser, held a day prior on Saturday, January 24 at 8 PM. The event will also be telecast across the leading news channels of Network18 channels including CNN-IBN, CNBC-TV18, IBN7, CNBC Awaaz, IBN Lokmat and News18.
Talking about the initiative, Umesh Upadhyay, President, News, Network 18 Group said, “We at Network18 take immense pride in announcing The India-US Dialogues in light of President Obama’s visit to India. Marking this prestigious occasion, this conclave aims to give our viewers an in-depth analysis of the relationship between India and the United States and set the agenda for taking it to the next level.”
Sunjoy Joshi, Director, Observer Research Foundation said, “This Republic Day will be historic for India-US ties. Keeping the same in mind and our objective to build partnerships for a Global India, this forum, in the presence of eminent personalities, will bring forth discussions and solutions that will help the two nations to further cultivate their relations and get together on the path of growth for all.’
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
