The next shift in Internal Communications

From India. To India. With India.

Mike Klein

IABC Fellow,
Global Internal Communication Expert

Ambuj Dixit

Director,
Thoughtcom & Host -
Community Dialogue

A Mandate for the

Future of Internal Communications

A Global Shift Towards India

We are witnessing a historic shift — geopolitical, geo-economic, and cultural — that is repositioning India at the heart of global business growth. India is young, dynamic, and still far from its aging curve. It is not just a market; it is becoming a mindset, a model, and a movement.

As global businesses increasingly set up operations in India, they will need to adapt to its unique cultural, linguistic, and social fabric. This is not just about localization — it’s about transformation.

And the same is true for Indian businesses expanding globally. As Indian companies expand globally, they will have to adopt, adapt and create effective people communication practices, that are suited to different regions and their nuances.

Along with this, comes AI, emerging as a force that will impact everyone, everywhere, driving this shift at high speed.

Why Internal Communications
Must Lead This Change

Business is about people. And people are shaped by communication. Internal Communications (IC) is no longer a support function — it is a strategic driver of change, culture, and cohesion.

The rise of India as a global business hub means:

Cultural integration

will be key.

Leadership communication

will need to evolve.

Values and purpose

will need to be redefined.

Growth and sales communication

will need to be localized.

Workforce aspirations

will need to be understood and addressed.

This is where IC professionals must step in — not just to inform,
but to align, inspire, and future-proof the workforce.

The New Mandate for IC Professionals

We are not in an era of incremental change.

We are in an era of multi-dimensional transformation

Indian needs to become global – Indian mindset needs to become less hierarchical

This means IC professionals must:

Geopolitical shifts

are redefining alliances and markets.

Technological revolutions

(AI, automation) are reshaping work.

Workforce aspirations

are evolving — people want meaning, flexibility, and growth.

Cultural diversity

is increasing — especially in India, where Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will become new business centers.

Build

future-ready workforces.

Facilitate

cross-cultural understanding.

Enable

inclusive communication strategies.

Champion

local voices in global narratives.

The need is clear.
The opportunity is now.

If internal communications professionals do not rise to this challenge, others will. But this is our moment — to claim our seat at the table, to shape the future of work, and to ensure that the voice of India is not just heard but understood and celebrated.

If you would like to join hands to lead this change — from India, to India, with India — together, let us connect.