India-Indonesia Trade Potential Remains Untapped: Indonesian Envoy
Indonesian Special Envoy Mari Elka Pangestu highlights the vast untapped trade and investment opportunities between India and Indonesia at KEC 2026.
The economic relationship between India and Indonesia holds immense, yet largely unfulfilled, promise. This sentiment was expressed by Mari Elka Pangestu, the Special Envoy of the President of Indonesia for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation, during a high-profile summit in New Delhi.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2026) on Sunday, Pangestu emphasized that while significant opportunities exist, much more work is required to fully realize the trade and investment potential between the two nations.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships Amid Global Flux
The discussion took place against a backdrop of significant global instability. Pangestu noted that as the world undergoes constant shifts and faces increasing uncertainties, building resilient, closer partnerships within the region becomes essential.
"I appreciate the Kautilya Conference very much. It brings people from many countries and many regions together to talk about very important issues," Pangestu told ANI. She highlighted that the current global climate demands heightened resilience through stronger ties between India, Indonesia, and the broader ASEAN bloc.
"We talk a lot about perhaps the lack of potential being realised between trade with India and Indonesia and how much more we need to do for trade and investment," she added, underscoring the urgency for deeper economic integration.
The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave: A Hub for Dialogue
The remarks were made during the 5th edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave, held in New Delhi from October 3 to October 5. This year, the summit operates under the theme "Resilience in an Age of Flux."
The three-day event serves as a premier platform for addressing contemporary economic and policy challenges. The 2026 edition has attracted a diverse group of over 180 participants, including:
- Senior policymakers and government officials
- Leading economists and academics
- Financial experts and international thought leaders
- Over 80 international delegates representing approximately 30 countries
The conclave, an initiative of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, facilitates exchange through plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and exclusive closed-door roundtables. These sessions focus on critical economic drivers, such as attracting foreign direct investment and mobilizing domestic capital for long-term growth.
Since its inception in 2022, the Kautilya Economic Conclave has become a vital forum for global economic discourse, having previously explored themes such as "Redefining the Future," "Navigating a World on Fire," "The Indian Era," and "Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times."