The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre (PIC) will jointly organize the Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025. This annual geoeconomics conference will take place in Pune from February 20 to February 22, 2025. The event is now in its sixth edition. It will focus on the theme ‘Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation.’ Global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders will gather to discuss pressing economic challenges and opportunities.
AED: A Global Platform for Economic Discourse
The three-day conference will feature over 40 distinguished speakers from nine countries—Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. With ministerial participation and representation from various economic sectors, AED 2025 aims to foster insightful discussions on economic resilience, policy innovation, and global trade. In addition, this global participation will provide a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities in today’s interconnected economy.
The event will commence with an Opening Address by eminent scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, FRS, President of PIC. Following this, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce, Government of India, will deliver the Inaugural Address. After that, there will be a conversation between Amb. Gautam Bambawale and Shri Piyush Goyal. Amb. Gautam Bambawale is the Convenor of AED 2025. They will discuss key economic policies and strategic pathways for India’s growth. The conversation will focus on India’s position in a rapidly evolving global environment. In other words, it will address critical issues that influence India’s standing on the global economic stage.
Ms. Rama Bijapurkar, a noted expert on India’s consumer economy, will host a Fireside Chat with Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, adding to the rich exchange of ideas. This discussion will offer deep insights into India’s biotech sector, innovation trends, and economic transformation. Above all, it will highlight the role of innovation in driving economic change and sustainability in India.
Key Themes and Sessions of AED
Over the course of three days, AED 2025 will delve into significant geoeconomic issues, exploring solutions that can help nations, industries, and individuals adapt to economic fragmentation.
Key topics include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation
- Cyber Security and Economic Stability
- African Economic Transformation
- The Blue Economy and Sustainable Growth
- Reforms in the International Monetary System
- Empowerment of MSMEs for Growth
- Climate Change and Economic Policies
Day 2: Deep Dives into Economic Transformation
The second day of AED 2025 will begin with Ms. Rama Bijapurkar hosting a Fireside Chat. She will be in conversation with Mr. Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and MD of Bajaj Finserv. After that, Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, Executive Chairman and Founder of 5F World, will chair the session. The session will focus on ‘Re-imagining Leadership in the Era of AI and Automation.’ The panel will include leading AI and digital transformation experts. Mr. Jaspreet Bindra, Founder of AI & Beyond, will be one of the panelists. Mr. Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder of Fractal and Vice Chairman of Nasscom, will also be part of the panel.
In addition, another significant session, ‘African Transformation: From Aid to Investment’, will be chaired by Amb. Gautam Bambawale and feature panelists including H.E. Dr. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, and Dr. Renu Modi, Director, Centre for African Studies, Mumbai University. The session will discuss Africa’s shift from foreign aid dependence to a robust investment-driven economy.
Furthermore, the conference will include a discussion on ‘Survival Before Sustainability: An Agenda for this Decade’, chaired by Mr. Pradeep Bhargava, Chairman, MECF Limited, addressing the urgency of balancing economic growth with sustainability.
Moreover, Mr. Dinanath Kholkar, former VP of TCS, will chair the session on ‘Collaboration on Cyber Resilience: An Economic Imperative,’ featuring cybersecurity experts from ICE India, Bosch Global Software Technologies, and CyberXCenter Singapore.
To conclude the day, a session on ‘International Monetary System: Challenges and Reforms’ will be led by Prof. Ajay Shah, Co-founder, XKDR Forum, with insights from MEA Secretary Dammu Ravi and RBI Executive Director Radha Shyam Ratho. Therefore, the second day will offer a comprehensive range of discussions on transformative topics impacting the global economy.
Day 3: Focus on Economic Empowerment
The final day of AED 2025 will begin with the session ‘Unlocking Growth Potential by Empowering MSMEs’, chaired by Mr. Prashant Girbane, General Secretary, PIC. This session will explore how small and medium-sized enterprises can be strengthened to drive economic growth and resilience. In addition, it will focus on practical steps for enhancing the capabilities of MSMEs in today’s dynamic economic landscape.
Dr. Manasi Singh, Assistant Professor at the Central University of Gujarat, will chair the pivotal session on ‘Blue Economy in India’s Extended Neighbourhood.’ The panel will include representatives from Sri Lanka, India, and Australia, discussing maritime resource management and regional economic cooperation. For instance, they will explore collaborative efforts to maximize the economic potential of the maritime sectors in these regions.
After that, the event will conclude with the Valedictory Address by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Government of India. Above all, this address will reflect on the key takeaways from the event and the roadmap for future economic collaboration in Asia.
Event Details
Dates: February 20 (4:00 PM-7:00 PM), February 21 (10:00 AM-6:45 PM), February 22 (10:00 AM-1:00 PM), 2025
Venue: JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat Road, Shivajinagar, Pune – 411053
About Asia Economic Dialogue (AED)
The Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) is one of the most influential Track 1.5 geoeconomic dialogues, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. It serves as a premier platform for fostering discussions on regional and global economic challenges, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to collaborate on solutions that shape the future of international trade and economic policies.
About Pune International Centre (PIC)
The Pune International Centre (PIC) is an independent think tank engaged in policy research and discourse on matters of national and global importance. PIC has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering strategic dialogues, making it a key partner in hosting the Asia Economic Dialogue.
With a stellar lineup of sessions and distinguished speakers, AED 2025 promises to be a landmark event in global economic discussions, offering innovative solutions and fresh perspectives on the evolving financial landscape. Therefore, participants can look forward to a comprehensive exploration of economic strategies and regional cooperation.
