IIFT Economics Conclave 2025 Deliberates On Adapting To Global Trade Shocks And Macroeconomic Uncertainty

Against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical currents and rapidly evolving global trade dynamics, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) hosted the Economics Conclave 2025 at its Delhi campus. Centred on the theme “India in the New Economic Order: Adapting to Macroeconomic Uncertainties and Global Trade Shocks,” the Conclave brought together some of India’s most respected economists and policymakers for a day of rich, forward-looking discussions on the country’s position in an increasingly complex world economy.

The Conclave began with an Inaugural Address delivered by Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT. Prof. Joshi welcomed the distinguished speakers, delegates, and attendees, and emphasized the significance of this year’s theme against the backdrop of global uncertainties, shifting trade alignments, and geopolitical transitions. He highlighted that India is not only navigating these global challenges with determination but is also converting them into strategic opportunities for long-term growth and global integration.

A powerful keynote address by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress and former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, followed the Inaugural Address. Dr. Ahluwalia offered a comprehensive analysis of India’s macroeconomic evolution, the country’s resilience amid global disruptions, and the structural reforms essential for sustaining long-term growth. His keynote set the intellectual tone for the event, grounding the conversations in decades of policy experience.

In his remarks, Prof. Basanta K. Sahu, Convenor of the Conclave and Head of the Economics Division (Delhi), expanded on the objectives of the event and highlighted the multiple sources of uncertainty shaping growth and macroeconomic stability. Prof. Sahu pointed out the source of fluctuations and in output growth mainly labour supply shocks, protectionism with prolonged uncertainty. Similarly, the major key factors for growing instability are fiscal vulnerability, financial markets correction and erosion of institutions.

The Conclave featured an eminent roster of speakers, including Prof. Chetan Ghate, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Prof. Ashima Goyal, former Member, Monetary Policy Committee, Reserve Bank of India; Prof. Biswajit Dhar, former Head, Centre for WTO Studies; Prof. S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Prof. Pami Dua, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Prof. Sudipto Mundle, Chairman, Board of Governors, Centre for Development Studies; Prof. M. Govinda Rao, former Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Prof. Manoj Pant, former Vice Chancellor, IIFT; Prof. Dibyendu Maiti, Professor, Delhi School of Economics; and Prof. C. Veeramani, Director, Centre for Development Studies.

Across two thematic sessions, speakers examined India’s exposure to global trade shocks, the challenges posed by new protectionist measures, and the macroeconomic strategies required to strengthen the country’s economic resilience. Discussions highlighted the urgency of policy agility, diversification of trade partnerships, and proactive participation in shaping global economic governance.

Established in 1963, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade is a premier institution under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, advancing excellence in research, training, and education across its campuses in Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, and GIFT City.