New Delhi: The Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025) is set to be inaugurated by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, on October 3, 2025, at Taj Palace, New Delhi. This prestigious three-day event, organized by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, will bring together global thought leaders, policymakers, economists, and industry leaders to deliberate on the theme – “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times.”
Global Voices and Indian Leadership to Steer the Dialogue
The conclave will conclude on October 5, 2025, with a closing address by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, reflecting on India’s evolving foreign and economic policy in a turbulent global environment.
Additionally, Union Minister of Communications Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia will chair a high-level session on ‘Communications: Emerging Technologies’, focusing on AI and digital infrastructure, showcasing India’s push towards digital transformation.
Theme 2025: Navigating Uncertainty with Reforms
This year’s theme, “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times,” is especially relevant as the world grapples with economic uncertainty, climate disruption, and shifting geopolitical equations. The agenda blends immediate policy priorities with long-term structural reform, aiming to chart India’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth.
The conclave will address emerging challenges in –
- Financial stability
- BRICS and Asia’s economic leadership
- Reforms in central banking and multilateralism
- Legal frameworks for economic development
- Urbanisation, universal healthcare, and employment
Global Participation: Over 30 Countries Represented
KEC 2025 will witness the participation of over 75 international delegates from 30+ countries, making it one of India’s premier international economic forums.
Among the key global speakers are –
- Jean-Claude Trichet, Honorary Governor, Banque de France
- Mari Elka Pangestu, former Trade Minister of Indonesia
- Taro Kono, senior Japanese leader and parliamentarian
- Bai Chong-En, Dean, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University
- Lord Karan Bilimoria, Member, UK House of Lords
- Andres Velasco, Dean, LSE School of Public Policy
- Lord Nicholas Stern, Professor of Economics, LSE
- Jean-Pierre Landau, former Deputy Governor, Banque de France
Central Banking, Rule of Law & Global Economic Prudence in Focus
A flagship session will feature Jean-Claude Trichet in conversation with Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, discussing the complexities of central banking in an era of macroeconomic volatility.
Another key panel will include Mr. Harish Salve, Mr. Larry Kramer, and others in a session chaired by Shri Shaktikanta Das, on legal reforms to support economic growth, focusing on the critical linkage between the rule of law and investor confidence.
Sessions to Drive Solutions, Collaboration, and Forward Thinking
The Conclave will feature –
- High-level policy plenaries on macroeconomic prudence, chaired by Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
- Mahila Paricharcha-style discussions on youth employment, gender equity, and inclusive growth
- Sectoral tracks on trade, urbanisation, regional integration, and healthcare
- Interactive networking formats to promote candid, solution-driven exchanges
KEC Legacy: From ‘Redefining the Future’ to ‘The Indian Era’
Since its inception in 2022, the Kautilya Economic Conclave has rapidly emerged as a leading economic dialogue platform –
- 2022: Redefining the Future
- 2023: Navigating a World on Fire
- 2024: The Indian Era
Each year, the conclave has calibrated its theme to align with pressing global and national priorities. This year’s edition continues the tradition with even broader international participation and more focused thematic exploration.
Exclusive & High-Level Forum
KEC 2025 is a by-invitation-only conclave, curated by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) under the leadership of its President Mr. N. K. Singh, in close partnership with the Ministry of Finance.
