Zurich, January 19: India’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar, met World Bank Group President Ajay Banga at Zurich Airport on Sunday as the latter arrived to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos. The brief but cordial interaction underscored India’s development priorities and its ongoing partnership with the World Bank.
Sharing details on social media platform X, the Indian mission in Switzerland said the meeting took place while receiving Indian dignitaries. “A pleasant meeting at Zurich Airport today while receiving Indian dignitaries! Ambassador Kumar had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, arriving for the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos,” the post read. The mission added that the exchange included a discussion on India’s development agenda and cooperation with the World Bank, describing it as a brief but warm exchange on India’s development priorities and our partnership with the World Bank.
The interaction comes as the five-day WEF Annual Meeting 2026 begins in Davos under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The summit is being held at a time of slowing global economic growth, heightened geopolitical tensions, rapid technological transformation and increasing concerns over rebuilding trust between nations.
The WEF Annual Meeting is regarded as one of the world’s most influential global platforms, bringing together heads of state and government, ministers, central bankers, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives. Discussions span key issues such as the global economy, technology, climate change, governance and long-term policy directions.
For India, Davos continues to be a crucial मंच to project its reform momentum, policy stability and openness to global investment. India’s delegation this year reflects a strong focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and digital transformation. The delegation includes four Union ministers—Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi and K Rammohan Naidu—along with six chief ministers representing Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Jharkhand.
Eastern India’s participation, particularly Assam and Jharkhand, is being seen as significant as these states aim to showcase their fast-growing economies, mineral resources and industrial potential. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior delegations from Uttar Pradesh and Kerala are also attending.
On the corporate front, India has sent one of its largest-ever business delegations to Davos, with over 100 leaders from banking, technology, manufacturing, start-ups and renewable energy sectors. India’s key message at WEF 2026 is clear: the country is “open for business” and keen to deepen global partnerships while strengthening its role in international value chains.
