Summary:
- India opened applications for the Know India Program and VBYLD 2026.
- Programs run from Jan. 6–27.
- Sessions will be held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
THE INDIAN MINISTRY of External Affairs opened applications for the 85th edition of the Know India Program and the 2nd edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. The programs are scheduled to run from Jan. 6 to 27.
Participants of the 85th KIP will engage with 3,000 youth leaders from India and the diaspora during VBYLD. Sessions will be held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Chicago consulate.
KIP is open to diaspora members aged 21 to 35 who are Persons of Indian Origin with an interest in India. The program is conducted with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and coincides with the National Youth Festival on Jan. 12.
Youth from India and the diaspora will work on 10 tracks, presenting solutions on national priorities such as governance, education, sustainability and entrepreneurship. VBYLD will feature four segments: Viksit Bharat Challenge Track, Cultural Track, Design for Bharat Track and Hack for a Social Cause Track.
Applications must be submitted by Dec. 18 via the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.
Separately, India’s minister of tourism and culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, recently said India is considering a harmonized infrastructure status for the hotel industry.
