Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Addresses the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan delivered the inaugural address at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave held in New Delhi. The central theme of this conference was 'Resilience in an Age of Flux.' Addressing policymakers, economists, and business leaders, the Vice President emphasized the critical need for inclusive economic policies amidst changing global circumstances.

The Vice President stressed that economic resilience cannot be separated from social resilience. He stated that true resilience is only possible when the benefits of development reach every section of society, region, and enterprise. Praising India's democratic framework, he noted that the country has proven that democracy and development can progress together.

Discussing the role of institutions, he recalled the legacy of the Institute of Economic Growth. He stated that policy formulation must be based on ground realities. He further added that while debate and discussion are vital in a democracy, final decisions should be those that enjoy broad acceptance.

Highlighting India's progress in the field of financial inclusion, he cited statistics regarding Jan Dhan accounts and GST. He mentioned that over 590 million Jan Dhan accounts had been opened by August 2026. Additionally, a significant increase in GST registrations has also been recorded.

Regarding women's empowerment, the Vice President stated that India is now moving from women's empowerment to women-led development. He appreciated the contribution of self-help groups and the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative. He remarked that the economic participation of rural women is crucial for the country's progress.

The Vice President also mentioned that over 250 million Indians have emerged from extreme poverty, which he described as a historic achievement. He emphasized that every district and village must be an equal partner in India's development journey.

Finally, he stressed the importance of research and institutional partnerships. He welcomed the collaboration between the University of Delhi, the Delhi School of Economics, and the London School of Economics. He expressed confidence that this conclave would make a meaningful contribution to building a developed India by 2047.

Several dignitaries, including N. K. Singh and Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, were present at the event. Concluding his address, the Vice President stated that India's resilience lies in embracing change with confidence and collective effort.