Dear Indian Economists, Economic Policymakers, Faculty, Researchers and Students,

As you are aware, the Indian Economic Association is more than a century-old academic association which has been holding conferences every year to share up-to-date knowledge, expand its network, and contribute to ongoing national progress. The conference acts as a platform for all of you to come together, discuss, and disseminate the latest research, trends, and breakthroughs. Since this Association was established in 1917, India has added an unprecedented number of universities and academic institutions offering “Economics” as a subject of study. This has multiplied the number of trained economists, faculty, researchers and students spread across the country. As presentation of papers in conferences/seminars and writing of books/research papers/articles have been recognised by the University Grants Commission as a benchmark and necessary qualifications for academic jobs in colleges/universities/think tanks, all researchers from big cities as well as remote corners of the country seek opportunities to share their research work in prestigious forums like the Indian Economic Association. To accommodate their requirements and aspirations, more than one Annual Conference of IEA have been organised in the last few years. In 2026, it is my privilege to welcome all renowned economists, policy makers, faculty, and students to participate in this leading annual Conference of the Indian Economic Association.

In all the past conferences, the theme and sub-themes reflected the contextual issues facing the Indian economy. In contemporary India, the aspiration of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence, has emerged as a defining developmental vision. To make the vision a reality, leap-frogging is required on multi-dimensional aspects. For the forthcoming conference in 2026, we have decided to focus on bringing about conceptual clarity and policy issues that would reimagine development to synchronise with the vision of Viksit Bharat. Five sessions have been planned: (i) Viksit Bharat – Beyond GDP and Conventional Benchmarks; (ii) Self-reliant and Technology-led Structural Transformation to meet Development Goals; (iii) Financial Sector Reforms and Development Finance for Viksit Bharat; (iv) Economic Diplomacy and India’s Global Development Strategy; and (v) State-Level Perspectives on Economic Development and Contribution to Viksit Bharat. The Conference Theme Note is available at https://indianeconomicassociation.in/ which explains the objectives and topics under each sub-theme on which papers are to be presented and discussed.

As the Conference President, I invite all scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to engage in this rigorous academic debate and evidence-based policy discussion that will advance understanding of India’s developmental trajectory toward 2047. I also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to the Chairs, Speakers and Participants of the Conference and looking forward to meet and greet in person at the Conference venue.

JAI HIND JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN

(Dr. Sumitra Chowdhury)
Conference President
The Indian Economic Association