5th Kautilya Economic Conclave to be held in Delhi from Oct 3-5
The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in Delhi will tackle global economic shocks, trade fragmentation, and India's economic priorities from Oct 3-5.
The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2026) is set to convene in New Delhi from October 3 to 5, bringing a high-level focus to the theme “Resilience in an Age of Flux.” Organized by the Institute of Economic Growth in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the three-day event aims to dissect the complexities of global economic shocks, trade fragmentation, and the evolving landscape of investment and technology.
The conclave promises to be a massive gathering of intellectual and political power, featuring more than 180 policymakers, economists, academics, and financial experts. This includes a significant international presence, with over 80 participants traveling from approximately 30 different countries to participate in the discussions.
High-Profile Speakers and Inaugural Sessions
The event will kick off on October 3 with an inaugural address by the Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan. The opening sessions are designed to explore a critical question: how can economic policies foster resilience without compromising growth, openness, or institutional credibility during periods of intense global uncertainty?
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, will lead a special plenary session titled “Resilience in an Age of Flux: India’s Economic Priorities.” This discussion will center on India's strategy to maintain steady growth and macroeconomic stability while navigating technological disruptions and global fragmentation.
Another pivotal session, “A World Priced for Risk,” will dive into the consequences of energy shocks, supply-chain interruptions, and the increasing trend of weaponizing trade and economic access on global investment and resilience.
Central Banking and Capital Markets
As the global environment becomes increasingly volatile, the role of monetary authorities will take center stage. Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra is scheduled to deliver a special address during the plenary “Central Banking in an Age of Flux.” The session will address how central banks can effectively manage inflation, capital flows, and financial fragility amidst constant global shifts.
The conclave will also dedicate significant time to India's financial infrastructure, covering topics such as:
- Capital-market development and regulatory oversight.
- Fiscal federalism and industrial policy.
- Development finance and the mobilization of both domestic and foreign capital for long-term goals.
Technology, AI, and the Digital Economy
Recognizing the transformative power of technology, Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will deliver a keynote address titled “From Connectivity to AI: The New Architecture of the Digital Economy.” This segment will investigate how artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and new communication networks can drive productivity while maintaining competition and trust.
Global Trade and India's Strategic Role
The conclave will also tackle the shifting nature of international commerce. In a session titled “From Globalisation to Fragmentation: Rewiring Trade Networks,” experts will analyze how strategic rivalries and industrial policies are fundamentally reshaping global supply chains and investment networks.
To conclude the event, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will deliver a special closing address on “India and the World: Adaptive by Design.” His session will explore how India can maintain its strategic autonomy and expand its global partnerships within a more contested and uncertain international order.
Since its inception in 2022, the Kautilya Economic Conclave has served as a vital forum for addressing the most pressing contemporary economic and policy challenges facing the nation and the world.