India’s economy is firmly on a path of robust growth, but further structural reforms are essential to sustain this momentum. This was the central message that emerged from the Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025), which concluded in New Delhi on Sunday.
The three-day event, centered around the theme of “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent times”‘, brought together top policymakers, economists, industry leaders and scholars to discuss strategies for resilient and inclusive growth amid rising global uncertainty.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the conclave underlined that “India’s role in global economic governance is set to expand, with its experience in building digital infrastructure, pursuing fiscal federalism, and managing demographic transitions offering valuable lessons to the world.”
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who inaugurated the conclave, said India’s emergence as a stabilising global economic force stems from a decade of steady reforms focused on fiscal discipline, quality capital expenditure, and inflation control. She highlighted that India’s growth is primarily driven by domestic consumption and investment, making it more resilient to external shocks.
A major highlight of the event was a special address by Jean-Claude Trichet, former President of the European Central Bank, titled “What Europe Can Learn from the Indian Federation.” Trichet underscored India’s federal fiscal model as an example Europe could emulate to strengthen its integration and governance frameworks.
On the final day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a talk on India’s external economic strategy in a fragmenting world, stressing the need to align foreign policy with economic policy and build strong domestic fundamentals backed by strategic international partnerships.
Other sessions at KEC 2025 explored themes including macroeconomic resilience, digital public infrastructure, global trade fragmentation, legal and regulatory reforms, sustainable finance and climate change, and demographic transitions shaping the global economy.