KEC 2025: India Charts Path to Prosperity in Turbulent Times

RR Team

2 months ago

The Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025) will be inaugurated by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on October 3, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. The conclave, themed “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times,” will run until October 5 and bring together domestic and international policymakers, economists, and industry leaders to discuss global economic challenges, India’s growth strategy, and emerging technologies.

Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar will close the conclave on October 5 with reflections on India’s foreign and economic policy. The conclave has attracted 75 participants from over 30 countries, strengthening its international presence and focus on contemporary economic issues.

Focus Areas and High-Level Sessions

The agenda covers a blend of immediate policy priorities and long-term strategic shifts. Sessions will examine Asia’s emergence as a global growth hub, the evolving BRICS architecture, financial stability, and industrial policy reforms. Special luncheon sessions will feature a discussion on “Communications: Emerging Technologies,” chaired by Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, including insights from AI and digital infrastructure experts.

The conclave will feature a high-level plenary on global macroeconomic prudence, chaired by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Senior policymakers and economists will evaluate the health of the world economy and the reforms needed in financial governance.

International Experts and Collaborations

Global leaders attending KEC 2025 include Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet, former Governor of the Banque de France, who will converse with RBI Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra on central banking challenges. Other notable participants are Ms. Mari Elka Pangestu, former Indonesian Minister of Trade; Mr. Taro Kono, Japanese LDP member; Mr. Bai Chong-En, Dean of Tsinghua University’s School of Economics; Lord Karan Bilimoria of the UK House of Lords; and Mr. Andres Velasco and Lord Nick Stern from the London School of Economics.

Legal experts such as Mr. Larry Kramer, President of LSE, and Senior Advocate Mr. Harish Salve will discuss legal reforms underpinning growth in a session chaired by Shri Shaktikanta Das. Additional panels will explore universal healthcare, youth employment, urbanisation, trade, regional integration, and risks of emerging technologies.

KEC’s Legacy and Institutional Support

Initiated by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) under Mr. N.K. Singh, KEC has evolved into a premier forum for candid, cross-border dialogue since its launch in 2022. Previous themes included “Redefining the Future” (2022), “Navigating a World on Fire” (2023), and “The Indian Era” (2024), addressing technology, climate finance, multilateralism, and India’s growth trajectory.

KEC 2025 promises dynamic, solution-oriented exchanges, combining India’s domestic priorities with global perspectives, and charting pathways to sustainable prosperity amid turbulent times.