An LGBT Executive Forum is to take place in Bangalore on February 18 to explore issues around LGBT diversity and inclusion in India's workplaces and wider society, according to Gay Star News.

Speakers include DP Singh, Vice President and Head, HR, IBM India/South Asian and a video address from Randy Berry, the US Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons.

In 2013 India re-criminalised same-sex sexual activity.

IBM has initiated a number of discussions on LGBT issues in the region including a similar event last November in Vietnam and an LGBT business leadership forum in Bangkok last April.

Anthony Tenicela, Global Leader, Workforce Diversity and LGBT Markets told Gay Star Business "diversity fosters innovation in the way IBM addresses the needs of our clients and helps the world work better."

"Given the breadth of IBM's business across 170 countries, diversity is a competitive differentiator that enables IBM to reflect the global diversity of our customers. We are pleased to sponsor the LGBT Executive Forum in Bangalore in honor of all LGBT professionals in the AP [Asia-Pacific] region,' Tenicela said.