The crown is on, the sash is ready, and the glam prep is in full swing. Jaipur's Niharika Rathore has been officially announced as The Miss Globe India 2026, and she is now set to walk the international stage at The Miss Globe in Phuket, Thailand, from October 24 to November 6, 2026.

Miss Fusion India made the announcement on its official Instagram handle with a striking reveal poster: Niharika posing in a shimmering embellished gown, wearing a tall jewelled crown and The Miss Globe sash, framed against a sweeping tricolour backdrop. A fitting first look for a contestant heading out to represent the country.

From first runner-up to the crown

Niharika's road to the title came with a twist. At the Miss Fusion India grand finale held at Jaipur's regal Anant Mahal in August, she finished as first runner-up, while The Miss Globe India crown went to Aditi Bhatnagar. After Aditi was unable to continue for undisclosed reasons, the organisers passed the title to Niharika.

It is also a comeback story. She had earlier competed at Miss Rajasthan, where a leg injury kept her from placing where she hoped. As per organisers, she is now the first contestant from Rajasthan to represent India at The Miss Globe.

The looks to watch

For pageant fans, the biggest reveal is still to come: her national costume. National directors Yogesh Mishra and Nimisha Mishra say Jaipur-based fashion designers are crafting her national costume, gowns, and outfits for other segments, blending Rajasthan's royal and traditional heritage with modern couture. Expect a showcase of Indian craftsmanship on a global runway.

Beyond the wardrobe, Niharika is training with Fusion Pageant Training Academy and Shailza Suri, polishing her stage presence, runway walk, communication skills, and overall personality, the elements that often decide who makes the final cut on pageant night.

Brains behind the beauty

Off the runway, Niharika is a first-year LLB student at Jaipur National University, proving that the modern pageant queen comes with more than just a gown and a crown.

India eyes its second crown

India has won The Miss Globe only once, when Dimple Chetan Patel was crowned in 2016. All eyes will now be on Phuket to see if Niharika can bring the sparkle home again.