Vice President Radhakrishnan Urges Inclusive Growth at Economic Conclave

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan opened the fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi on October 3, 2026, arguing that India's economic resilience depends on flexible policymaking and inclusive growth. Speaking under the theme "Resilience in an Age of Flux," Radhakrishnan identified rapid technological advances, intensifying climate challenges, changing global trade, and rising geopolitical tensions as the primary drivers of global uncertainty.

Radhakrishnan stated that GDP alone is an insufficient measure of development, asserting that social resilience must accompany economic growth. He highlighted women's education and economic participation as central to India's agenda, citing financial inclusion and women's self-help groups as key strengths. He specifically pointed to the Goods and Services Tax and the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile architecture as drivers of economic formalization, noting that over 25 crore Indians have exited poverty in the last decade.

While acknowledging a real GDP growth of 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026-27, up from 6.9 percent the previous year, the Vice President stressed that long-term stability requires a stronger research ecosystem. He called for deeper collaboration with global institutions to support innovation and free trade agreements to ensure the country can adapt to global shifts.