The recognition highlights Shri Chauhan’s decades of contribution towards building India’s capital markets and strengthening their position in the global securities landscape. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing India’s market infrastructure, deepening participation, and fostering innovation across the financial ecosystem.

In addition, NSE was recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Capital Markets Infrastructure, while NSE Clearing Limited received the award for Best CCP or Clearing House.

These recognitions collectively underscore the NSE Group’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, transparency, and technology-driven growth in India’s financial markets.

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INDONESIA: The IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team riders battled through a challenging and action-packed Round 4 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Indonesia’s iconic Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, concluding a weekend defined by fierce competition and intense racing.

The Indian duo, Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves, displayed consistent efforts and determination while competing in the highly competitive Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Kavin Quintal started Race 1 from the 17^th position on the grid for the 10-lap contest but couldn’t finish the race. Navigating intense competition with persistence, he finished the Race 2 at 19^th place with a total time of 18:18.251, and his best lap time was 1:47.847.

Meanwhile, Johann Reeves started Race 1 from 25^th on the grid and delivered a strong run, registering consistent lap times on the challenging Mandalika circuit. He crossed the chequered flag in 16^th place with a total time of 18:27.73,3 and his best lap time was 1:48.302. In Race 2, Reeves finished in 22^nd with a total time of 18:21.752.

Their cumulative team total stands at 6 points for this season in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit tested me all through the weekend. Yesterday was a setback, but today I managed to complete the race in 19^th place. It wasn’t easy, but every lap added to my experience, and I am determined to come back stronger in the next rounds.

Johann Reeves added, “The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit was a real test from start to finish – it pushed me on every front. I managed to gain crucial experience for myself and the team. There is still plenty to work upon, and I am focused on coming back sharper in the subsequent rounds.”

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Set on a serene private island in the middle of Udai Sagar Lake, framed by the Aravalli hills, Raffles Udaipur offers a setting that feels at once cinematic and deeply personal. From majestic multi-day affairs to soulful, intimate unions, every celebration is imbued with the signature Raffles grace, care, and attention to detail.

said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

With the recent unveiling of Raffles Udaipur Lakeshore, the hotel has seamlessly expanded its offering, now catering to celebrations of every scale. The addition of expansive manicured lawns and new event spaces along the lakeside has elevated the property’s capacity, making it a truly versatile canvas for destination weddings — whether opulent or understated.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding curators, bespoke culinary journeys, and legacy of service ensure that every occasion at Raffles Udaipur is not just memorable but deeply meaningful.

This recognition at WOW Awards Asia 2025 stands as a tribute to the hotel’s continued evolution as a modern palace of celebration, where heritage meets imagination and every moment is worthy of a story.

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This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current status and prospects of Islamic finance globally and in Central Asia, comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The report makes practical recommendations and strategic considerations tailored to the specific dynamics of the region, addressing regulatory harmonisation, capacity building, product innovation, and awareness campaigns. The research demonstrates that the region offers a unique opportunity for the growth of Sharia-compliant financial products and services, due to its rich cultural heritage, significant Muslim population, and rising demand for investments.

The region of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) is dynamically changing, and its role in Eurasia and the world needs to be reassessed. The population of Central Asia is 80 million people. This is a 40% increase since 2000. It keeps growing at 2% per year. In 2024, the aggregate GDP of the Central Asia countries was $519 billion. Over the last two decades, it grew nominally at 6.4% on average.  Foreign trade turnover has increased almost ninefold since 2000. Foreign direct investments have increased 17 times. For over 20 years, Central Asia has been growing faster than developing countries on average. 

Sharī‘ah-compliant financing, as a relatively new (more than 30 years old) and fast-growing segment of the global financial system, plays an increasingly important role in the sustainable development of the Central Asian states. All governments of the region are paying special attention to the development of Islamic finance. Islamic finance offers a unique opportunity for Central Asia to promote inclusive growth, financial stability, and sustainability. Overcoming challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies and talent shortages will require coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. By capitalizing on its strategic advantages, the region can position itself as a key player in the global Islamic finance industry.

The region of Central Asia currently has 11 Islamic banks and 11 non-banking financial institutions, as well as Islamic banking windows. Other institutions include takaful operators, microfinancing, investment companies, Ijara or leasing companies, and Islamic FinTechs such as digital banks and wealth management platforms. Islamic capital market instruments such as ṣukūk are developing more slowly than Islamic financial institutions, however.

Islamic finance assets in Central Asia amount to USD 699 million at the beginning of 2024. According to the Islamic Finance Development Report 2024, Kazakhstan ranks 19th in the world in terms of Islamic finance development in 2024 (i.e., above the global average) and leads the Central Asian market.

In the next ten years, there is a perspective for significant growth and development in the Islamic finance industry in the region, driven mainly by the Islamic banking sector and the ṣukūk asset class (Energy, Transport & Logistics, Industry, Food Security, and Social Infrastructure are priority areas of investment). A baseline scenario based on the growth of financial intermediation and an estimate of the change in the share of Islamic finance in the financial sector structure was used to project the increase in Islamic finance assets in the region.

This approach assumes an increase in Islamic banking assets in Central Asia to the level of USD 2.5 billion in 2028 and USD 6.3 billion in 2033. Given the favourable demographics, strong economic growth, and the substantial size of the banking industry in each of the five Central Asian nations, Kazakhstan is expected to be the leader, followed closely by Uzbekistan. The region’s Ṣukūk market is also expected to witness significant expansion: the baseline forecasts suggest that the Ṣukūk market is anticipated to grow to USD 2.05 billion by 2028 and USD 5.6 billion by 2033.

Figure – Islamic Finance Market Outlook for Central Asia

The Islamic finance industry faces challenges such as a lack of standardisation and the need for robust risk management frameworks. For that reason, regulatory harmonisation across Central Asian countries is crucial to attract foreign investment and facilitate cross-border transactions.

The report stresses the need for cooperation of the multilateral financial institutions and International Islamic banks on creating Sharia-compliant products and services tailored to the specific needs of Central Asian markets, including development of “Islamic windows” in conventional financial institutions as a sustainability milestone and innovative solutions for microfinance, agriculture financing, and renewable energy financing. International Islamic banks from more mature Islamic finance jurisdictions, such as the Gulf countries and Southeast Asia, can help build capacity in Central Asian Islamic banking ecosystems and can enable knowledge transfers in Central Asian countries to enhance the levels of Islamic finance technical expertise they can draw upon.

“One of the EDB’s strategic priorities is to become a platform for Islamic finance in Central Asia. The further development of Islamic finance in Central Asia will expand financial inclusion and connect local businesses to the global Islamic market, contributing to regional economic growth. With the Islamic Development Bank Group’s support, EDB has started to develop an “Islamic Window” for financing projects by Sharia principles. The priority areas of investments will be energy, transport, social infrastructure, food security, and industry”, says Nikolai Podguzov, EDB Chairman.

In a message published in the report, Chairman of the IsDB Group, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, said, “The Islamic Development Bank Group is committed to supporting the advancement of Islamic finance in Central Asia and beyond. Our collaboration with Eurasian Development Bank demonstrates how development banks can work together to create inclusive and resilient financial systems.”

The report concludes that Islamic finance holds immense potential to contribute to economic development, financial inclusion, and foster good governance practices in Central Asia. By capitalizing on the region’s unique opportunities and addressing existing challenges through collaborative efforts, Islamic finance can emerge as one more source of sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.

The report “The Future of Islamic Finance in Central Asia” is accessible on the IsDBI website here: https://isdbinstitute.org/product/future-of-islamic-finance-in-central-asia/

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MUMBAI: The Government of Maharashtra and TEAM (Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai) join forces to host the second edition of Asia’s largest AI event- Mumbai Tech Week (MTW), from February 24 to March 1, 2025. Following a successful inaugural year in 2024 and recognized by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, MTW’25, aims to solidify Mumbai as an emerging force in tech and AI. This strategic partnership underscores India’s vision to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), with Mumbai at the epicenter of this transformation.

“We are thrilled to present MTW’25 with the Government of Maharashtra, a landmark event that underscores Mumbai’s pivotal role in India’s ambitious AI & innovation ambition. This year’s event is a testament to the city’s dynamic ecosystem, where AI-driven innovation is not only transforming industries locally but also influencing global solutions. Mumbai stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, blending cutting-edge research, enterprise adoption, and world-class talent to redefine what’s possible. As the largest AI event in Asia and with an extraordinary lineup of leaders, Mumbai Tech Week 2025 is where the next era of technology is envisioned, discussed, and set in motion.” said TEAM spokesperson.

“With Mumbai contributing 4% to India’s GDP as its largest economic center, the Government of Maharashtra understands the critical role of technology in driving continued growth. Mumbai Tech Week 2025 provides the perfect platform for actionable insights and forward-thinking discussions on AI, as we partner with TEAM to solidify Mumbai’s role as an AI leader by supporting talent, infrastructure, investment, and innovation”, said Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra

Marking the convergence of tech, policy, governance, and AI, Mumbai Tech Week 2025 will demonstrate, deliberate on, and drive dialogue on the future of AI, showcasing what Mumbai’s AI boom means for the world. Spotlighting Mumbai’s emergence as the ‘AI Use Case Capital,’ driven by its strong entrepreneurial legacy and rapid AI adoption, Mumbai Tech Week 2025 will host a distinguished lineup of leaders across government, industry, technology, and entertainment.

Leading policymakers Shri. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, and Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Minister of State, Electronics & IT, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, will address the audience, followed by insights from industry titans N. Chandrasekaran (Chairman, Tata Sons) and Uday Shankar (Vice Chairman, Jio Star). Emerging leader Akash Ambani (Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm) will also be featured, alongside tech leaders Arundhati Bhattacharya (Chairperson and CEO, Salesforce India), Sandhya Devanathan (VP & Head, India, Meta), and Puneet Chandok (President, Microsoft India & South Asia) and unicorn founders Kunal Shah (Founder & CEO, CRED), Peyush Bansal (Co-founder & CEO, Lenskart), Bhavish Aggarwal (Co-founder & CEO, OLA), Ritesh Agarwal, (Founder & Group CEO, OYO) and Aadit Palicha (Co-founder & CEO, Zepto).

MTW’25 will further explore the intersection of AI with culture, creativity, and sports, featuring prominent figures from cricket and the entertainment industry, including Rahul Dravid, filmmaker and producer Karan Johar, actor and investor Suniel Shetty, and influencer Raj Shamani. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from these global AI builders and enablers, discovering how Mumbai is at the forefront of AI innovation and its impact on business, governance, and society.

The week-long event is divided into two segments:

• February 24, 2025, to February 27, 2025 – satellite events across Mumbai will feature workshops, hackathons, and more
• February 28, 202,5, and March 1, 2025 (Mega Days) – The excitement culminates at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, where attendees can look forward to keynotes, panel discussions, stand-up presentations, fireside chats, and networking events.

The event will feature discussions where industry leaders will deliberate on sector-specific AI implementation strategies. Through Mumbai’s lens of practical innovation, each segment—from entertainment to retail, and from manufacturing to financial services—will find a path to AI transformation.

Mumbai Tech Week 2025 is proud to partner with CNBC-TV18 as the official media partner, ensuring comprehensive and insightful coverage of MTW 2025’s key discussions and events.

The first edition of Mumbai Tech Week was the largest tech event in Indian history. Setting new benchmarks for technology conferences in India, Mumbai Tech Week 2024 drew over 4,000 attendees and featured more than 50 distinguished speakers from across the globe. The event catalyzed significant industry growth through 10 satellite events, partnerships with 30+ leading organizations, and facilitated over 100 job placements. A key highlight was the startup pitch competition, where 30+ innovative companies presented their groundbreaking solutions to top investors and industry leaders.

Tickets  LIVE at: https://www.mumbaitechweek.com/

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“The South Asia Conclave is a powerful gathering of ambitious minds and innovative ideas,” said Abhishek Modi, President of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network (South Asia) and Managing Partner, of Shiva Engineering. “This event is more than just an opportunity to connect—it’s a catalyst for deep learning from experts, peer-to-peer insights, and the chance to rethink and reset. This year the conclave’s theme is ACT, and our sessions are curated to enable entrepreneurs to Adapt, Connect, and Thrive (ACT).”

Modi continued, “Through the Stanford Seed Transformation Program, a strategic initiative of Stanford Graduate School of Business, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses through hands-on training, lifelong mentorship, and a global network of peers. The conclave, along with other initiatives of the network, aims to support graduates of this program by providing continuous opportunities for learning, business enablement, and mentorship.”

The 10-month Stanford Seed program is a high-touch program for CEOs & Founders of SMEs in South Asia and is taught & delivered by Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty. Initiated in India in 2017 following its initial presence in Africa, the program has now expanded across South Asia with over 370+ Entrepreneurs in the network in the South Asia Chapter and 1100+ globally.

Harish Arnezath, Regional Director of Stanford Seed (South Asia), “The Stanford Seed program aims to end the cycle of global poverty by helping entrepreneurs build thriving businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth.” Focused on emerging markets, the program provides participants access to world-class resources, including learning materials from Stanford faculty, a global network of business leaders, and a tailored curriculum that addresses specific business challenges. The South Asia chapter has now expanded to four countries and over 370 entrepreneurs who boast a collective revenue of $950 million and employ more than 60,000 people.”

Harish Arnezath, Regional Director of Stanford Seed (South Asia), further added, “We are committed to empowering small and medium businesses in South Asia to scale up and reach their full potential. This Conclave provides an excellent platform for our entrepreneurs to engage in peer learning, exchange ideas, and gain actionable insights to drive their growth and resilience in an ever-changing business environment.”

Participants in the Stanford Seed program benefit from a unique curriculum that combines academic rigor with practical application. The program emphasizes real-world learning and encourages participants to develop actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately within their businesses. 

“The Stanford Seed program has been a transformative experience for me as an entrepreneur. The enriching course material, paired with in-company workshops, ensures that the insights are not just personal but drive meaningful growth across the entire leadership team, fostering alignment and collective progress. The business transformation advisors challenge you to think deeply and strategically at every step, while the incredible network has given me lifelong friends and collaborators. I cannot recommend this program enough to anyone serious about scaling their business with impact and purpose”, says Rashi Narang, Founder, of Heads Up for Tails, Stanford Seed Program Alumni.

The Stanford Seed Transformation Network, South Asia invites aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for the  Stanford Seed Transformation Program (STP). This is an opportunity to join a vibrant community dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across South Asia. Interested individuals can learn more about the program and apply at the Stanford Seed Program. 

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PHILIPPINES: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has launched a state-of-the-art TCS Pace Studio in Manila, Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is designed for TCS to co-innovate with customers to develop tailored solutions for their unique business needs, boosting digital innovation in the Asia Pacific region.

Located within TCS’ expansive Panorama Tower office, TCS Pace Studio will showcase TCS’ innovative platforms like TCS AI WisdomNext, TCS TwinX, and TCS Zero Carbon Platform, leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. 

TCS Pace Studio in Manila, the fifth of its kind globally, is part of an extensive innovation ecosystem of TCS Pace^TM spanning major global cities. TCS Pacenetwork also comprises four other Pace Studios situated in Riyadh, Sydney, Letterkenny, and Stockholm, alongside seven Pace Ports located in Tokyo, Amsterdam, New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, London, and Paris. TCS Pace Studios serves growth markets by fostering dynamic innovation ecosystems. 

The innovation hubs in the TCS Pace network combine TCS’ unique methodologies and frameworks, research, and intellectual property, along with a curated ecosystem of partners through its Co-Innovation Network (COIN) to provide collective intelligence that enterprises can tap into. These hubs enable customers to develop and launch innovative digital products and solutions, at speed and scale.

Dr. Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer at TCS, said, “TCS Pace Studio is the gateway to a world of possibilities for our customers. It gives them access to TCS’ extensive research and innovation ecosystem, facilitating the development of novel solutions across diverse disciplines, with efficiency and at scale. Customers in the Asia Pacific region can get a hands-on experience of the art of the possible at the TCS Pace Studio in the Philippines. By leveraging the latest technologies and prioritizing sustainability, we aim to drive innovation that not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a more resilient, and sustainable future.”

Equipped with interactive screens, state-of-the-art audio and video systems, and virtual reality (VR) headsets, the TCS Pace Studio offers clients an immersive environment to explore and co-create transformative technology solutions. This strategic investment underscores TCS’ commitment to the Philippines and the burgeoning Asia-Pacific market. It also aligns with the Philippines’ rise as a leading IT and business process outsourcing destination. With its skilled talent pool, cost-effective operations, and strategic location, the country presents a compelling value proposition for global businesses.

Shiju Varghese, Country Head, TCS Philippines, said, “The Philippines is a key market for TCS, and we are elated to set up the TCS Pace Studio in Manila to continue delivering superior experiences for our customers. This Pace Studio will provide a collaborative space for clients to engage with our TCS experts, explore innovative and sustainable solutions, and unlock new growth opportunities, as we continue to be at the forefront of shaping the future landscape of business adaptability and innovation.”

The TCS Pace Studio is designed to cultivate a start-up environment, functioning as a dynamic incubator for business solutions and opportunities. The newly established TCS Pace Studio in the Philippines will deliver a wide range of innovation services, including consulting, design, and implementation, facilitating clients in exploring new ideas, creating demonstrations, and refining their strategies.

This investment is also a testament to TCS’ growing presence in the Philippines, where it has been operational since 2008. With over 5,000 employees in the Philippines, TCS supports customers across diverse sectors including, telecom, banking and finance, real estate, and airlines, driving their growth and transformation. TCS has also been recognized as a Top Employer in the Philippines from 2017 to 2024. 

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BENGALURU: Myntra announces its strategic collaboration with Bridal Asia, via its proposition, Myntra Luxe India, as the ‘Styling Partner’ for the media house’s  Silver Jubilee showcase in Mumbai and Delhi. Further strengthening Myntra’s position in the designer-led luxury wear segment, this one-of-a-kind association will drive high visibility for the Myntra Luxe India proposition at the much-acclaimed Mumbai and Delhi chapters of the showcase. With an expected footfall of over 20,000 people,  the two-day event across the two cities will witness a convergence of  India’s finest luxury connoisseurs having a taste for elegance and prestige of luxury purchases.

The showcase is set to take place at the Jio World Complex, in the Bandra Kurla Complex, for Mumbai, and Hotel Ashok, Chanakyapuri, for Delhi, on the 17 & 18 August and 14 & 15 September, respectively.  Bridal Asia’s events have served as a launching platform for several leading Indian brands. With a legacy spanning 25 years, Bridal Asia has consistently led the way in showcasing the most exquisite designers, jewelers, and brands in the wedding space. 

This collaboration beautifully aligns with the commitment of Myntra Luxe to democratize luxury ethnic fashion in India and build offerings for the millions of aspirational yet discerning customers. With nearly 60 million monthly active users on Myntra, the collaboration with Bridal Asia is set to shape the future of bridal fashion across the country with a seamless and luxurious shopping experience.

India’s luxury fashion industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for high-end products among middle-income customers and high-net-worth individuals. The festive and wedding season coming on the heels of the Bridal Asia showcase is considered as a high-consumption period for designer ethnic wear. With the proliferation of e-commerce, coupled with the expanding base of designers from every corner of the country,   Myntra Luxe is strongly positioned to cater to these evolving preferences, right in time. 

By showcasing the stories, craftsmanship, and quality behind each piece, Myntra Luxe captivates consumers who appreciate the artistry of luxury items paired with a thoughtfully curated and personalized shopping experience. Myntra Luxe India, as the Styling Partner, will present designers’ signature, innovative, and trending bridal fashion collections. Shoppers can expect cutting-edge silhouettes, dramatic drapes, asymmetrical cuts, and intricate layering. The styles will embrace both traditional opulence and modern minimalism, ensuring each piece is timeless and fashion-forward.

Speaking on the association, Sharon Paid, Myntra, said, “Our collaboration with Bridal Asia is a milestone in Myntra Luxe’s journey to redefine luxury ethnic fashion in India. Myntra Luxe which has witnessed a remarkable over 2x YoY growth in 2023, is a treasure trove of fashion opulence promising a premium and unparalleled shopping experience, uniquely designed for the luxury buyers of Myntra. We take pride in offering access to the rich tapestry of Indian culture, showcased through the exceptional craftsmanship of Indian designers, attracting a growing base of affluent customers.”  

Speaking about Myntra Lux India as their official Styling Partners, Dhruv Gurwara, Bridal Asia’s CEO agrees: “Bridal Asia’s Silver Jubilee edition is set to unveil a collection of exquisite, trend-defining designs from Myntra Luxe India to our elite clientele. This association blends the convenience of digital innovation with the prestige of luxury bridal wear, ensuring an ultra-premium and engaging shopping journey.”

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The inaugural session on the theme ‘Promoting Economic Integration in South Asia’ was chaired by Amb. Gautam Bambawale, Convenor, AED 2024, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and former Ambassador to China and Bhutan. Panelists in this session included  Amb. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary, Government of India, along with Amb. Sewa Lamsal, Foreign Secretary, Nepal, and Amb. Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh.

Dr. S.Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, Government of India in a video address said that this edition of Asia Economic Dialogue focuses very appropriately on the Geoeconomic challenges of our times. Today these fall into three categories. One is the supply chain challenge created by the globalization era,  the second is a technology challenge which grows by the day given our reliance on it for more aspects of our daily life and the third is the challenge of concentrations stemming from the nature of globalization.  These three phenomena are coming together particularly impact fully when considering the evolution of critical and emerging technologies. To create a safer, secure, and cooperative world, we need greater international cooperation.

He added that we must build deep national strengths during the Amrit Kaal that will drive the transition towards becoming a developed economy. This is the vision of the Modi Government and our initiatives and programs of the last decade are aimed at this very end.

Amb. Vinay Mohan Kwatra Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India said that conflicts and associated disruptions require strong mitigation by each country. But Geo Economics in many ways also presents a set of opportunities especially for India. When globally the countries are looking for reliable destinations for supply chains, market access, and capital looking for destinations which can offer strong returns on equity, this has benefitted India.  Post Covid growth patterns tell a story and it is not just of numbers. Combined them with crucial matrices and perception of India and how it translated into evidence and the strongest evidence comes from FDI flows, a large chunk has post covid.  All this comes together in a package that presents a picture of strength, hope and optimism, a picture of evidence-based growth that is not only national but where the international business community sees a lot of hope.

Amb. Seva Lamsel foreign secretary, Nepal said that COVID-19 and conflicts posed difficult times and hampered landlocked economies like Nepal. We had sluggish growth then but now our economy is gaining momentum due to reforms and stringent monetary policy. The energy sector, agriculture, and tourism are in focus. Also, macroeconomic indicators are good and the economy is on the right track.

Amb. Masud Bin Momen, foreign secretary, of Bangladesh, said that intra-regional trade in South Asia is one of the lowest around 5 percent. Improving connectivity not just physical but ancillary services like customs and others and connecting the dots will create a lot of potential for regional cooperation.

Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, President PIC in his opening remarks said that this is the 8th Asia Economic Dialogue. PIC has become India’s leading policy think tank with strong programs.

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PUNE: Asia Economic Dialogue 2024, the annual geoeconomics conference organized jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre (PIC), will be held in Pune from Thursday, February 29, to Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Focused on the theme, ‘Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux’, AED 2024 will feature 46 speakers from 11 countries who will participate in 12 sessions over three days.

This international conference promises insightful discussions on pressing economic matters facing Asia and the world at large. Participation in this conference is by invitation only.

The inaugural session at 4:00 pm on 29^th February will begin with a warm welcome by the eminent scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, FRS, President PIC.

The inaugural session on the theme ‘Promoting Economic Integration in South Asia’ will be chaired by Amb. Gautam Bambawale, Convenor, AED 2024, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and former Ambassador to China and Bhutan. Panellists in this session include Amb. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary, Government of India, along with Amb. Sewa Lamsal, Foreign Secretary, Nepal, and Amb. Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh.

The other highlight of this session is a one-hour Fireside Chat with Anniken Huitfeldt, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Norway, hosted by Amb. (Retd) Latha Reddy, former Deputy National Security Advisor of India and former Ambassador of India to Portugal and Thailand, on the theme ‘Women and Geo-Economics’.

The conference will feature 12 sessions over 3 days. These sessions will include ‘Women and Geo-economics’; ‘Generative AI: Impact on Organisations and Society’; ‘India’s Role in Information Technology and Digital Diplomacy’; ‘The Third Globalisation’; ‘The Future Automobile and Future Fuels’; ‘Drones: Revolutionising the Future?’; ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A New Spice Route?’; ‘Reimagining and Revitalising the World Trade Organization’; ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET): Securing our Future’; and ‘Expanding Regional Connectivity: Towards a More Integrated South Asia’.

The session on ‘Generative AI: Impact on Organisations and Society’ will be chaired by

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, Executive Chairman and Founder, 5F World. The Panellists include, Rajesh Nambiar, Executive Vice President, Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India; Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft India and South Asia; Nitin Chugh, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Digital Banking and Transformation; and Jeff Walters, Managing Director and Senior Partner, The Boston Consulting Group.

The session on ‘India’s Role in Information Technology and Digital Diplomacy’ will be a conversation between Kiran Karnik, Chairman, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology and Dinanath Kholkar, Independent Advisor and Former Senior Vice President and Global Head of Partner Ecosystems and Alliances of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The session on ‘The Third Globalisation’ will be chaired by Prof. Jyoti Chandiramani, Director, Symbiosis School of Economics, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Symbiosis International University; and the Panellists will be Anniken Huitfeldt, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Norway; Rahul Bajoria, Chief Economist, Asia Pacific, Barclays Bank; Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh and Non-resident Fellow at Atlantic Council; along with Prof. Lars-Hendrik Röller, The European School of Management and Technology, Berlin, and former Chief economic advisor to German Federal Chancellor Merkel, and former G7 and G20 Sherpa.

The Panellists for the session on ‘The Future Automobile and Future Fuels’ include Ramkripa Ananthan, Head of Design of Ola Electric; CV Raman, Chief Technology Officer, Suzuki India; and Yogesh Umbarkar, Vice President, Business Development, Valtech Mobility. The chair of this session will be Amit Paranjape, Co-founder of ReliScore.

The session on ‘Drones: Revolutionising the Future?’ will be chaired by Anish Michael, Lead, Centre for Future Mobility, OMI Foundation. The panellists for the session are Mark Yong, Co-founder and CEO of Garuda Robotics; Aniruddh Gupte, Founder and CEO of Podrones Logistics; and Ankit Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of ideaForge.

The chairperson for the session on ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A New Spice Route?’ will be Dr. Ajit Ranade, Vice Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. The panellists for the session will be Anita Prakash, Senior Policy Advisor for International Economic Cooperation, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; Periasamy Kumaran, Special Secretary (ER & DPA), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; and Dr. Alvite Ningthoujam, Assistant Professor at Symbiosis School of International Studies, Symbiosis International University.

The session on ‘Reimagining and Revitalising the World Trade Organization’ will be chaired by Dr. Mohan Kumar, Professor of Diplomatic Practice at the Jindal School of International


Affairs, OP Jindal Global University. The panellists will be Dr. Asle Toje, Deputy Leader, Norwegian Nobel Committee, alongside Amb. B Navnit, Ambassador and Permanent

Representative of India to the WTO, and Dr. Asanka Wijesinghe, Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies in Sri Lanka. 

The session on ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET): Securing our Future’ is organised in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a policy think tank. Dr. Sameer Patil, Senior Fellow, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology and Deputy Director, ORF Mumbai, will be the chairperson for the session. The panellists will be Rachel Rizzo, Senior Fellow, Europe Center, Atlantic Council; Kurihara Toshihiko, New Delhi Representative from Japan Bank for International Cooperation; Ashok Malik, Chair of The Asia Group, India; and Shweta Rao Buntwal, Director, National Security Council Secretariat.

The session on ‘Expanding Regional Connectivity: Towards a More Integrated South Asia’ will be chaired by Amb. Sudhir Devare, former Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, and former Ambassador to South Korea, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia and Indonesia. The panellists will be Prof. Prabir De, Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity, Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries, alongside Dr. Atiur Rahman, Emeritus Professor, Dhaka University and Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Tenzing Lamsang, Editor, The Bhutanese; and Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey, Director, Centre for South Asian Studies, Nepal.

The conference will be a dynamic platform for exploring and expanding on the most pressing matters of today’s world, bringing together diverse perspectives to drive positive change.

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