Assistant Professor - IIIT Hyderabad

Dr. Aakansha Natani received her M.Phil (2015) and Ph.D (2020) degree from Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her PhD research on ‘The Study of Digital Democracy in the European Union; 2001-2015” concentrated on analyzing the policies and programmes of the European Union and member states that were aimed at promoting and regulating the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in democratic practices and processes.  Presently, she is working as an Assistant Professor in Political Science at Human Sciences Research Centre, IIIT Hyderabad, India where she offers courses on ‘Internet and Democracy’ and ‘AI and Human Rights’. She worked in the Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Cambridge, UK as a D C Pavate Visiting Fellow 2023 in Sydney Sussex College. Recently, she was awarded Jean Monnet EU Module Grant (2024-2027) by the European Commission for her project on “Digital Democracy and Data Governance in the European Union”.

Director - Abiflo Ltd

Abhishek Tripathi is an entrepreneur dedicated to fostering global unity and advancing international trade by connecting India with the world. As Director of Abiflo Ltd, he leads a global consultancy that empowers MNCs, entrepreneurs, and SMEs to unlock growth opportunities through market access, internationalization, and cross-border investments across the EU-India-GCC-UK corridor. Abiflo has successfully delivered high-impact events, including Expos, Roadshows, and Summits in major business hubs such as the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and India, fostering international collaborations and driving multilateral trade. As an entrepreneur, Abhishek has launched and managed startups and platforms across diverse fields, including fashion, arts, digital marketing, political campaigns, and healthcare. He has pioneered initiatives such as India’s first national crowdfunding conference and innovative healthcare platforms that have received national recognition. Abhishek’s passion lies in uniting people and businesses, creating opportunities that highlight India's pivotal role in the global economy.

Climate Mitigation Manager - City of Würzburg

Dr. Anja Zürn is Climate Mitigation Manager and Board Member of the German Union of Democratic Scientists. She holds a PhD in International Relations, and her dissertation “Of Climate and Gender. An Ecofeminist Hegemony Analysis of the Indian and EU Climate Policy Discourses and Identities” is to be published in 2025. Her research highlights that economic systems must change to address climate change effectively, as technical solutions alone are insufficient. Previously, she worked at the Jean-Monnet Chair for European Studies and International Relations at the University of Würzburg, where she co-coordinated German-Indian academic collaborations. She has published extensively on EU-India relations and conducted numerous research stays in India.

Assistant Professor - Jawaharlal Nehru University

Dr. Ankita is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for European Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Previously, she was a Fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, where she was engaged in research on Europe. This included producing analytical articles on the region's politics, economy and strategic issues. Before joining the Observer Research Foundation, she was associated with the Indian Council of World Affairs, Sapru House, New Delhi, as a Research Fellow for Europe. She has a PhD in European Studies from the Centre for European Studies, School of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has published extensively on various issues, including EU-India, broader strategic developments within Europe, and European politics - both at member state and EU level. She has also participated in various international and national conferences on Indian foreign policy, EU-India relations, and developments within the EU.

Director (Business Relations) - Indo Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Chandramohan Nallur is a dynamic Serial Entrepreneur. The youngest Director of the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industries, he is also a dedicated Social Activist. Renowned for his pivotal role in Operation Ganga for which he was personally congratulated by the Indian Prime Minister, he also champions various issues faced by Indian diasporas across the world. His field of action particularly covers labor rights exploitation, and he has been involved in securing justice for over 400 exploited Indian workers. An accidental "Beerpreneur", he now runs a thriving beer business that is fast climbing the ladder of success. He has played a key role in facilitating the entry of several Indian companies into Poland. Building bridges across cultures, Mr. Nallur has earned recognition as a genuine leader and advocate for Indian communities abroad, especially across the UK and Europe.

Officer - The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

Gurpreet Brombach is a migration specialist with over 15 years of work experience at various German ministries and authorities. She has done extensive work with the German Federal Foreign Office, the German Academic Exchange Service, and the Federal Police Headquarters. She has been an active part of negotiations and implementation of several India-Germany bilateral agreements on security cooperation as well as migration and mobility partnership. Academically, her areas of specialization include both Indian Politics and EU Law and Politics. 

Contributing Journalist - Forbes Asia

Karan Kashyap is one of the most established contributors to Forbes, where he covers investors, entrepreneurs, and economic policy in South Asia. His authored Bestseller Book “Go-Startup” is based on intensive interactions with startups in Asia and Europe; it showcases more than 40 established business founders from India and Sweden. As an alumnus of prestigious Swedish Institute Management Program, he has co-founded the Swedish Alumni Network in India. He was a Jury member for Sweden-India Mobility Hackathon, a delegate at UNFCCC COP and is proponent of values-based innovation in global startup ecosystems, especially in the burgeoning health tech sector.

Scientist & Program Lead - BASF Innovation Center

Dr. Kaushal K.Bhati is a scientist and program leader at the BASF Innovation Centre in Ghent, Belgium. He specializes in enhancing crop quality and yield through innovative biotechnology solutions designed to promote sustainable agriculture. His passion for innovation originates from his childhood experiences of assisting his family on their agricultural farm. After his doctoral degree in India, Kaushal embarked on his research career in Europe, receiving support from competitive fellowships and grants that facilitated his scientific endeavors. Over the past eight years, he has made contributions across various European academic and industry institutions, leading impactful scientific and technological projects while fostering collaborations with colleagues in India. Passionate about nurturing a positive academic environment, Dr. Bhati has founded and lead working groups and micro-communities for international scientists, advocating for positive changes within the scientific community. He is actively engaged in mentorship roles within EU-sponsored programs, such as Erasmus exchange initiative and mentoring young scientists in the EURAXESS Mentoring Programme. He has chaired the Early Career Leadership subcommittee for the Genetics Society of America and founded the Leadership Dialogues series, a webcast aimed at connecting and empowering young scientists on a global scale. With firsthand experience in both academic and industry innovation landscapes, Dr. Bhati is committed to improving lives through innovation, helping emerging scientists and promoting collaboration and exchange between EU and India for innovations in biotechnology.

PhD Candidate - South Asia Institute, Department of Political Science, Heidelberg University

Matias Castren is a PhD candidate at the South Asia Institute of the University of Heidelberg, Germany. His research explores India's integration into the global economy, with a particular emphasis on the political economy of EU-India relations. A key component of his work examines the rationale and processes behind the EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations. In addition to his academic pursuits, Matias first became familiarised with the political community in India while interning at the Finnish Embassy in New Delhi.

Secretary General - EU India Association

A professional in the field of Public Affairs, with experiences at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and at the European Commission, Matteo Ribaldi holds the role of Head of Public Affairs & Government Relations of Glovo (Delivery Hero group). He is the Secretary General of the EU-India Association, a non-profit organization that represents a forum for exchange between the European and Indian worlds. Under the Presidency of MP. Sandro Gozi, Ribaldi supported the transition of the Association from local to European-community (based in Brussels) in 2020. Among several activities, the Association organizes events, webinars and exchanges on the political/geopolitical, economic and cultural relations between Europe and India.

Trade Policy Advisor - Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO)

Michael Saxl, a senior trade policy advisor at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber with a background in diplomacy, is dedicated to strengthening EU-India relations. He contributed to the EU-India FTA negotiations by providing data-driven insights that support informed decision-making. In close collaboration with colleagues in India, he assists companies in navigating trade regulations, fostering stronger business connections. As a lecturer on EU trade policy, he focuses on the strategic importance of the EU-India partnership. He shares his passion for India’s vibrant culture, literature, film, and cuisine with colleagues and friends, hoping to cultivate a deeper mutual understanding.

Dancer, choreographer, actress, model - director of ‘MAATR - nurturing Art’

Paris Laxmi is a French-born artist and acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer. Deeply rooted in Indian classical dance, she seamlessly blends her European heritage with Indian traditions, embodying a unique cultural synthesis. A pluridisciplinary artist who also practices Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz and Flamenco styles of dance, she is also a familiar face in South Indian cinema. Her performances across Europe introduce Indian culture to Western audiences, while in India, she highlights the universality of art. Paris Laxmi's collaborations with global artists and her dedication to cultural exchange have built bridges of mutual respect, enriching the dialogue between Indian and European artistic traditions.  

Cofounder & CTO - ICONFlyertech

Rhythm Bhatia, Cofounder & CTO of ICONFlyertech, specializes in applying AI to address challenges in education, healthcare, and finance. A PhD candidate in personalized learning analytics at the University of Eastern Finland, she bridges academia and industry with innovative AI-driven solutions. Rhythm teaches remotely at NewStudy DHBW Germany and mentors emerging talent, advancing EdTech innovation and ethical AI adoption. As Chairperson of the India-Finland Alumni Community, she fosters global collaborations, emphasizing cross-border partnerships. Her extensive work across India, the UK, and the EU highlights her commitment to impactful, transformative technologies that drive progress in education and beyond.

Founder & Creative Director - Art India (asbl) 

Shreya Kaushik founded Art India in 2014, as a cultural organization based in Belgium which aims at Sharing India with the world. Under her creative direction, the organization has showcased more than 150 shows, events and workshops, bringing together a team of more than 500 Artists from India and Europe. Each Art India project takes shape with comprehensive planning, training and working together with people from different backgrounds, contributing to building stronger cultural ties between India and Europe. Art India's broader vision is to bring people from different backgrounds together to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of India in Europe, building a stronger sense of togetherness. Trained in different art forms of Indian classical and folk dances, art and paintings, Ms. Kaushik is well known for designing creative initiatives to showcase Indian culture.

Senior Research Fellow - University of Erfurt

Dr. Siddharth Tripathi is Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, University of Erfurt, Germany, where he leads the BMBF funded project on postcolonial hierarchies in peace and conflict. Prior to that he was as a Senior Research Fellow at the Käte Hamburger Kolleg/Centre for Global Cooperation Research, University of Duisburg-Essen. He has held various teaching and research positions at Willy Brandt School of Public Policy Erfurt, German Institute for International and Security Affairs/Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) Berlin and Brussels, Institute of Diplomacy Kabul and Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), University of Delhi. He completed his PhD from School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His current research focuses on the politics of knowledge production in IR and peace and conflict studies as well as decolonial and postcolonial praxis. His other research interests include Global South politics, India’s foreign policy and EU-India relations. His publications have appeared in leading IR journals and he has edited the Rowman and Littlefield Handbook on Peace and Conflict Studies: Perspectives from the Global South, which is a collaborative endeavour of academics from the Global North and the Global South.

CEO & Co-Founder - MV.Health

Dr. Soum Rakshit, FIET, FRSA has made significant strides in Uro-Gyn innovation with strong ties to India. Growing up in Kolkata, he recognised the cultural taboos and lack of accessible solutions in Uro-gyn health in India. Dr. Rakshit, working closely with Professor Prokar Dasgupta, from Kolkata Medical College, has focused on bringing affordable, clinically validated devices to the Indian market, addressing issues like erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and menopause. By collaborating with local healthcare professionals and raising awareness through educational initiatives, has been a pioneer at normalising conversations and creating mass awareness about sexual health. His efforts have been instrumental in improving quality of life, empowering individuals to prioritize their wellness and bridging gaps in accessible healthcare.

Global Thought Leader - Insurtech and AI - IDC

Surya Narayan Saha has significantly advanced India-UK/EU collaboration in InsurTech, notably through his podcast (The Insurtech Story Podcast) and global thought leadership on InsurTech, AI and Blockchain, where his sessions are globally ranked 12th by Feedspot. The podcast is a vital platform for knowledge sharing, focusing on AI, fintech, and blockchain in insurance. Surya’s work bridges innovation and insights between India and the UK/EU, featuring industry leaders and fostering discussions on trends, regulatory challenges, and opportunities. His keynote speeches and conference engagements specially in the Denmark region further solidify his role in connecting leaders and ideas, driving synergies that bolster the global InsurTech ecosystem.

Research Fellow - Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)

Thibault Fournol is a Research Fellow at the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS) in Paris, where he coordinates the Observatory of Multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific—a consortium of French research institutes and universities supported by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. He has completed multiple research stays in India as a Visiting Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation and the Observer Research Foundation, among others. In 2023, he served as Rapporteur for Maritime Security & Ocean Governance in the EU-India Young Leaders program, an EU-funded initiative. Prior to joining FRS, he completed a Hindi language program at the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco) and worked at the French National Assembly on maritime policy and strategy. His research focuses on India’s foreign and security policies in the Indo-Pacific, with a particular emphasis on multilateral practices and India’s approach to regional cooperation.

Co-founder and Executive Director - BiOZEEN

Dr. Vibin Joseph is a technopreneur, business model enthusiast and talent facilitator. He leads operations that formulate more than a billion doses of vaccines every year. On a mission to improve the state of the world across life domains of health, food, environment and ecology, Dr. Vibin drives bio-production innovation and scale across 23 countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. He force-multiplies positive global impact through an industry – academic ecosystem of universities, biology-based production hubs, and centers of excellence in Europe to drive global sustainable development goals.