Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the fourth edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025) on October 3, in New Delhi, under the theme “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times.” The three-day event, scheduled from October 3-5 at the Taj Palace, will conclude with Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivering reflections on India’s foreign and economic policy.
The conclave, organized by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, will bring together global policymakers, economists, and thought leaders from over 30 countries, with 75 international participants. It aims to address contemporary economic challenges while blending India’s growth aspirations with global perspectives.
A key highlight will be a special session on “Communications: Emerging Technologies,” chaired by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, focusing on AI and digital infrastructure. Another significant session, chaired by P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, will evaluate global macroeconomic stability and financial governance reforms.
The agenda includes discussions on Asia’s role as a global growth hub, the evolving BRICS framework, financial stability, and industrial policy. Notable international speakers include Jean-Claude Trichet, Honorary Governor of the Banque de France, who will discuss central banking challenges with RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, alongside Mari Elka Pangestu, former Indonesian Trade Minister, and Taro Kono, a member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party.
Legal experts, including Larry Kramer, President of the London School of Economics, and Harish Salve, Senior Advocate and former Solicitor General of India, will explore legal reforms to support growth, in a session chaired by Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary-II to the Prime Minister. Other panels will cover universal healthcare, youth employment, urbanization, trade, regional integration, and emerging technologies.
The KEC, initiated in 2022 by IEG under the presidentship of N. K. Singh, has emerged as a premier platform for cross-border dialogue. Previous editions focused on redefining the future (2022), navigating global turbulence (2023), and India’s rising global role (2024). This year’s conclave will feature interactive formats and networking opportunities to foster solution-driven exchanges.