At the world’s premier publishing forum in Kuala Lumpur, the two Indian publishing leaders will share insights on Southeast Asia’s publishing landscape and the future of book fairs.
New Delhi: Highlighting India’s expanding role in the global publishing landscape, Mr. Pranav Gupta, Vice President of the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust (NBT), India, Ministry of Education, will represent the country at the 35th International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2026. Both will speak at key sessions during the Congress, which is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5–9 July 2026.
Organised by the International Publishers Association (IPA), Geneva, and hosted by the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA), IPC 2026 will bring together publishers, authors, policymakers, technology innovators and publishing professionals from across the world. Under the theme “Publishing Intelligence, Sustaining Forward,” the Congress will explore how the publishing industry is responding to artificial intelligence, copyright, digital innovation, sustainability, market intelligence and international collaboration.
Pranav Gupta to Share India’s Perspective on Southeast Asia
On 6 July, Mr Pranav Gupta will participate in the rapid-fire session “Gateway to South-East Asia: Entry Paths, Pitfalls & Payoffs.” The discussion will focus on Southeast Asia as one of the world’s fastest-growing publishing markets, examining market-entry strategies, rights trading, cross-border partnerships and emerging business opportunities.
The session will be moderated by Ahmed Rashad, Executive Committee Member, International Publishers Association, and CEO, Al Masriah Al Lubnaniah Publishing House, Egypt. Fellow speakers include Sheikh Faisal Sheikh Mansor, President, ASEAN Book Publishers Association (ABPA) and Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA), Malaysia, and Li Pengyi, Vice President, Publishers Association of China.
Mr Gupta will present the Indian publishing industry’s perspective on rights trading, regional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, emerging publishing formats and opportunities for Indian publishers in Southeast Asian markets.
Yuvraj Malik to Highlight the Future of Book Fairs
On 7 July, Shri Yuvraj Malik will participate in the session “Beyond the Booth: How Book Fairs Become Year-Round Growth Engines.” The session will explore how modern book fairs are evolving beyond traditional exhibitions into year-round platforms for reader engagement, publishing promotion, cultural diplomacy, digital outreach and sustainable business growth.
As Director of the National Book Trust, India, and CEO of the New Delhi World Book Fair, Shri Malik will bring India’s institutional experience in promoting reading culture, public-sector publishing and large-scale literary events to the global discussion, highlighting how book fairs can drive industry growth and international collaboration throughout the year.
Mr Ramesh K. Mittal, President, Federation of Indian Publishers, said, “It is a matter of great pride that Mr Pranav Gupta and Shri Yuvraj Malik will represent India in two important sessions at the International Publishers Congress 2026. Their participation reflects the growing global recognition of Indian publishing and the emergence of a new generation of leaders who are taking Indian publishing to new heights while building on the strong foundations laid by their predecessors. Their understanding of policy, technology, markets, institutions and international collaboration will enable them to showcase India’s publishing strengths with confidence on the global stage.”
Strengthening India’s Global Publishing Presence
The participation of Mr Pranav Gupta and Shri Yuvraj Malik reflects India’s growing role in shaping conversations around the future of publishing. As artificial intelligence, copyright, multilingual publishing, digital innovation and international rights trading redefine the industry, India is increasingly contributing not only as one of the world’s largest publishing markets but also as a source of ideas, innovation and leadership.
Their participation also highlights the strong collaboration between industry associations, public institutions and private publishers in advancing India’s publishing ecosystem. Together, these voices will help strengthen India’s engagement with the global publishing community while opening new avenues for partnerships across Asia and beyond.
About the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP)
Established in 1973, the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) is the apex representative body of the Indian publishing industry. It represents publishers across educational, academic, scientific, technical, professional, trade, children’s and digital publishing sectors and serves as India’s sole member association of the International Publishers Association (IPA), Geneva.
FIP works to promote publishing excellence, copyright protection, reading culture, freedom to publish, international cooperation and the long-term interests of India’s publishing community
