New Delhi: Shekhar Aiyar, a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has been appointed as the new Director and Chief Executive of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). He is expected to take charge in November, according to a statement released by ICRIER on Wednesday.
Aiyar is currently serving as Assistant Director in the IMF’s Research Department, where he leads the organisation’s work programme on trade and industrial policy — key areas of focus in global economic policy today.
Global Experience in Economic Policy
Prior to his current role, Aiyar held several high-profile positions within the IMF, including:
- Mission Chief for Germany, one of the IMF’s most critical roles in Europe
- Head of the Eurozone Division, overseeing macroeconomic policies and coordination across the Euro Area
In addition to his IMF work, Aiyar has held academic and advisory roles across prominent institutions. He has been a:
- Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
- Visiting Professor at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)
- Advisor to the Bank of England
Academic Background
Shekhar Aiyar brings with him a robust academic foundation. He holds:
- A BA in Economics from Delhi University
- An MA in Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University
- A PhD in Economics from Brown University
About ICRIER
The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) is an autonomous, policy-oriented, not-for-profit economic think tank based in New Delhi. Established in 1981, ICRIER conducts high-quality, policy-relevant research to support India’s economic reforms and engagement with the global economy. It works closely with government agencies, international institutions, and academic communities, while remaining independent in its research and recommendations.
