Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday inaugurated the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, setting the tone for three days of discussions on the global economy. The event, themed “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times,” has brought together about 75 policymakers, economists and experts from 30 countries.
In her opening address, Sitharaman spoke about the uncertainty shaping today’s world and how it affects both global and Indian interests. She said geopolitical tensions and economic shifts were changing how countries work and trade with each other.
“Geopolitical conflicts are intensifying. Sanctions, tariffs and decoupling strategies are reshaping global supply chains,” she said, highlighting how these changes create both risks and openings for India.
She noted that India has shown strength despite global disruptions. “For India, these dynamics highlight both vulnerability and resilience. Our capacity to absorb shocks is strong, while our economic leverage is evolving,” she said.
According to her, what India chooses to do now will shape its future position in the world. “Our choices will determine whether resilience becomes a foundation for leadership or merely a buffer against uncertainty,” she added.
Sitharaman also pointed out that today’s fractured global order may eventually bring new opportunities for cooperation if approached with the right mindset. “History teaches us that crises often precede renewal. The fragmentation we see today may give rise to more sustainable and unforeseen forms of cooperation,” she said.
However, she stressed that fairness and inclusion must guide any new economic partnerships. “The challenge is to ensure that inclusive principles shape cooperation. For developing countries, this is a necessity, not just a romantic aspiration,” she said.
The minister urged emerging economies to take a more assertive role in shaping decisions that affect them. “We cannot afford to be passive spectators. In a world where decisions elsewhere determine our destinies, we must be active participants, shaping outcomes where possible and preserving autonomy where necessary,” she said.
The conclave will run for three days and feature sessions on global growth challenges, economic resilience, technology, trade realignments and the future of international cooperation. Delegates are expected to discuss how India and other developing nations can steer through global headwinds while protecting their own long-term interests.