The International Festival of Youth (IFY-2026) is currently taking place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, from September 11 to 17. The event has gathered around 10,000 young leaders under the age of 35 from 191 countries, as reported by Rosatom. Of the participants, 5,000 are Russian citizens and the remaining 5,000 are from foreign nations, showcasing a significant international engagement.

India has made a notable impression at the festival with a delegation of 194, placing it among the countries with the highest number of participants alongside nations such as Argentina, Brazil, China, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. This strong representation highlights the enduring connections between youth in India and Russia.

This year’s participation follows a successful event in 2024, which was held in Sochi, where nearly 340 young professionals from India took part. Their involvement exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering international youth relations.

Notable Indian Delegates

Among the Indian representatives is Amit Kothawade, who gained recognition for creating a COVID-19 contact-tracing application during the pandemic. He currently leads a startup ecosystem comprising 35,000 projects at a governmental agency, demonstrating the innovative spirit of the Indian youth.

Other distinguished Indian participants include Sultana Bilquis, a postgraduate student at RUDN focused on Russian Literature, and Jaideep Sakhiya, who is a Skill India Master Trainer and founder of The Media Lab. Sakhiya attributes his earlier participation in IFY 2024 as a pivotal moment that fuelled his ambition to create impactful content.

The festival encourages diverse representation in various fields, reflecting India’s multifaceted contributions across professional sectors such as media, education, and entrepreneurship.

Media Stream and Key Discussions

A central feature of the IFY-2026 is the ‘Media Stream’ programme, launched on September 13. This part of the festival serves as the core hub for content creators from around the globe, allowing them to engage in dialogues concerning the future of the media industry. It holds particular significance for Indian delegates involved in media and content creation.

Prominent guests from several countries, including China, South Africa, and the USA, are participating in this programme, ensuring a diverse range of insights and experiences. Noteworthy attendees include Maria Zakharova, the Official Spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Andrey Timonov, Director of the Communications Department at Rosatom.

Significant sessions have been scheduled throughout the festival, including a panel on September 13, titled “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia: Charmed and Stayed,” which focused on why Russia attracts young talent globally. Another session held on September 14 explored how culture can facilitate international dialogue, illustrating Russia’s unique cultural impact.

On September 15, the discussion “How to Become a World Leader: From an Idea to International Recognition” featured insights from Konstantin Ruder, a high-ranking official at Rosatom. He emphasised the comprehensive solutions offered by Russian high-tech sectors, especially in fields like nuclear energy, intending to promote sustainable development abroad.

Ruder articulated Rosatom’s commitment to not only providing technology but also building ecosystems that encompass training and infrastructural development, which is vital for long-term partnerships with other nations.

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