5th Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026, Theme, Objectives & Significance

5th Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC) 2026 is being held from 3 to 5 October 2026 in New Delhi under the theme “Resilience in an Age of Flux.” It is being organised by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

The three-day conclave brings together more than 180 policymakers, economists, academics, financial experts and international thought leaders, including over 80 international participants from around 30 countries.

What is the Kautilya Economic Conclave?

Kautilya Economic Conclave is a platform for discussion on contemporary economic and policy challenges. It was first organised in 2022 by the Institute of Economic Growth in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.

The conclave provides a platform where Indian and international experts discuss issues related to economic growth, finance, technology, trade, investment and global economic developments.

5th Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 covers major economic and policy issues arising from global uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, technological disruption and changing patterns of trade and investment.

Major Sessions at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026

Resilience in an Age of Flux: India’s Economic Priorities

This special plenary will examine how India can sustain growth, preserve macroeconomic stability and expand investment amid global fragmentation, technological disruption and recurrent shocks. Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the special address.

India and the World: Adaptive by Design

The concluding session will examine how India can preserve strategic autonomy, widen partnerships and respond flexibly to a more uncertain and contested global order. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will deliver the special concluding address.

Connected India, Empowered Finance: Building Trusted Digital Infrastructure for the AI Economy

The session will focus on how digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and new communication networks can improve productivity while maintaining competition and trust. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will deliver the keynote address.

A World Priced for Risk

This session will examine how energy shocks, supply-chain disruptions and the weaponisation of trade and economic access are creating challenges for macroeconomic management, investment and economic resilience.

Kautilya and a Resurgent India: Lessons for Emerging Markets

The session will examine the lessons that India’s economic experience can offer to emerging markets and will include international perspectives from experts from Chile and Indonesia.

Central Banking in an Age of Flux

The session will discuss how central banks can manage inflation, financial instability, capital flows and credibility in an environment of recurrent global shocks. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra will deliver the special address.

The New Tech Order

The session on “The New Tech Order: Power, Platforms, AI and Regulatory Competition” will examine how AI and strategic technologies are changing economic power, regulation and competition.

Humans and Machines: Work, Skills and Education in the AI Age

The session will focus on the effect of artificial intelligence on employment, skills, education and labour markets.

From Globalisation to Fragmentation: Rewiring Trade Networks

The session will examine how strategic rivalry, industrial policy and economic-security concerns are changing global trade, investment and supply chains.

Feeding the Future

This session will focus on the resilience of agriculture and food systems in the face of climate uncertainty and trade disruptions.

Demography at a Turning Point

The session will examine how ageing, fertility, migration and demographic change could affect labour markets and productivity.

‹ ›

Significance of Kautilya Economic Conclave for India

The Kautilya Economic Conclave is significant for India as it provides a platform to examine economic resilience, investment, technology, trade and financial stability in the context of a rapidly changing global economy.

• Strengthens Economic Policy Dialogue: Brings together policymakers, economists and international experts to discuss emerging economic and policy challenges.
• Addresses Global Economic Uncertainty: Provides a forum to examine the impact of geopolitical tensions, energy shocks, trade disruptions and supply-chain risks.
• Supports Macroeconomic Stability: Discussions on inflation, monetary policy, capital flows and financial stability are relevant for maintaining economic stability.
• Promotes Investment: Focus on FDI, domestic capital and development finance can contribute to discussions on mobilising long-term investment.
• Strengthens Supply-Chain Resilience: Discussions on global trade fragmentation can help identify ways to build diversified and resilient supply chains.
• Supports Digital Transformation: The focus on AI and trusted digital infrastructure is relevant to productivity, innovation and India’s technology capabilities.
• Addresses Future of Work: Discussions on skills, education, employment and AI are important as technology changes labour markets.
• Strengthens Global Partnerships: The conclave provides a platform to discuss India’s economic relationships with Asia, Africa, Europe and other major economies.

Other Key Government Initiatives to Strengthen Economic Resilience

The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen economic resilience by improving domestic production, infrastructure, logistics, technological capabilities and access to critical resources.

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Promotes domestic manufacturing, investment, exports and employment across 14 key sectors.
• PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: Enables integrated infrastructure planning and multimodal connectivity to improve logistics efficiency.
• National Logistics Policy: Focuses on digitalisation, process reforms and efficient logistics to reduce costs and strengthen supply chains.
• IndiaAI Mission: Develops AI infrastructure, computing capacity, innovation and skills to build India’s capabilities in emerging technologies.
• Semicon India Programme: Supports the development of a domestic semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.
• Semicon 2.0: Expands capabilities in chip design, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, R&D and talent development.
• National Critical Mineral Mission: Strengthens access to critical minerals essential for clean energy, electronics, batteries and advanced manufacturing.
• Make in India: Encourages investment, manufacturing, innovation and domestic value addition, while supporting India’s integration with global markets.