The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) India - Delhi Branch held its Annual Conference 2026 on 19-20 June at Holiday Inn, Aerocity, New Delhi, under the theme "Audit Reimagined: Intelligence, Integrity and Impact." The event attracted participation from more than 75 organizations, bringing together policymakers, board advisors, industry leaders, and technology experts to examine how internal audit can build trust, resilience, and long-term value in an era of rapid change.
Opening Remarks Highlight Transformation
CA Sana Baqai, President of IIA India - Delhi Branch, delivered the welcome address, reflecting on the evolution of internal audit from a compliance function to a strategic partner in governance and risk management. She emphasized that while technology advances rapidly, human judgement, ethical reasoning, and professional wisdom remain indispensable. The conference aimed to expose delegates to emerging trends and practical insights for navigating a evolving professional landscape.
Keynote on Transformation and AI
Akhilesh Tuteja, Partner and National Leader - Clients & Markets at KPMG India, delivered the theme address, challenging delegates to rethink transformation. He argued that many businesses use AI for efficiency rather than innovation, and true transformation requires reimagining workflows and value creation. For internal auditors, this means moving beyond assurance to become strategic contributors, identifying unseen risks and opportunities. Tuteja stressed the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Inaugural Address on Governance and Integrity
Shri Anand Mohan Bajaj, Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (Commercial & Report Central) and Chairman, Audit Board, formally inaugurated the conference. With over three decades of experience, he highlighted the relevance of the theme and reaffirmed the importance of professional judgement alongside AI. He noted that major corporate failures often reveal weaknesses in integrity structures, not just systems. Bajaj emphasized that independence in internal audit is essential for effective governance and that integrity is a structural requirement for trust and accountability.
High Engagement and Diverse Topics
Delegate participation was exceptionally high, with active discussions and thoughtful questions. Sessions covered artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, enterprise risk management, fraud prevention, forensic investigations, governance, labour reforms, board engagement, and the future of assurance. Speakers from KPMG, EY, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, IIFL Home Loans, HCL Corporation, EXL, OYO, BDO, ASA & Associates, RiskMan Consulting, Uniqus, and Aumyaa Consulting contributed.
Ecosystem and Leadership
The event was supported by sponsors, knowledge partners, innovation partners, technology collaborators, and professional associations. The leadership team included President CA Sana Baqai, Vice President Yukti Arora, Immediate Past President and Chairperson of the Conference Management Committee Sidheshwar Bhalla, Joint Secretary Bharat Garg, Secretary Mukesh Gupta, Treasurer Gaurav Bhatia, and Advisor Mohit Gupta, along with the Board of Governors and volunteers.
Conclusion: Intelligence, Integrity, Impact
The conference concluded with the message that intelligence without integrity cannot sustain trust, and integrity without impact cannot create progress. The future of internal audit lies in integrating all three elements. The IIA India Delhi Branch Annual Conference 2026 reaffirmed its position as a key gathering for audit, risk, and governance professionals in India.
