His Excellency Navtej Sarna, Ambassador of India to the United States
Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, International Affairs Advisor, Squire Patton Boggs
In conversation with Ambassador Stuart W. Holliday
The Republic of India, one of the world’s largest and most-celebrated democracies, has much in common with the United States. Both nations play an instrumental role in geopolitics and the advancement of the global economy. The United States and India are also extremely diverse, with citizens from an assortment of ethnic and cultural backgrounds who are free and proud to celebrate their heritage and practice their sundry of faiths. As policymakers and business leaders in both countries grow more interested in deeper, more substantive bilateral relations, now is an opportune time for Americans to discover and explore India’s rich history, societies, traditions, and art forms. This is an auspicious opportunity to engage a cross-section of leaders in constructive dialogue and celebrate the profound impact that Indian language, religion, dance, music, architecture, and cuisine has had on the United States and the world.
The Cultural Diplomacy Forum brings together government and cultural leaders with economic experts and the business community to examine the role of soft power in international relations. This year the Forum will explore Indian cultures and how they can pave the way for increased engagement and economic opportunities between the United States and India. Featured speakers and a series of panel discussions address the state of bilateral relations; examine the convergence of innovation, expanding workforces and opportunity; analyze the allure and spread of Indian cultures across the world; and, illustrate the impact of cultural and educational exchanges in forging closer ties between India and the U.S.
