India's economic resilience requires flexible policymaking, says VP Radhakrishnan

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan stated at the fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi that India’s economic resilience depends on flexible policymaking and the ability to adapt to global shifts. Addressing themes of geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancement, and climate challenges, Radhakrishnan emphasized that policymakers must understand ground realities to ensure success.

He argued that true resilience requires inclusive growth, noting that GDP figures alone are insufficient measures of development. Radhakrishnan stressed that economic benefits must reach every citizen and region, highlighting women’s empowerment through education and economic opportunity as a central component of this agenda.

To strengthen the economy against shocks, he pointed to social inclusion and financial inclusion, citing the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) architecture as a successful model for direct benefit transfers. He also noted that India’s real GDP grew by 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY 2026-27, up from 6.9 per cent in the same quarter of the previous year.