Pune to Host 7th Asia Economic Dialogue on ‘Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation’ from Feb 26–28
Pune to Host 7th Asia Economic Dialogue on ‘Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation’ from Feb 26–28
Pune is set to become the centre of global economic and strategic conversations as the 7th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED 2026), jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Pune International Centre (PIC), prepares to convene from February 26 to 28 at PIC’s newly inaugurated campus in Pashan.
Under the theme “Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation: Tariffs, Technologies and Strategic Alignments”, this three‑day international forum will bring together more than 45 distinguished speakers, including academicians, policymakers and industry authorities from countries such as India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Singapore, Kenya, Australia, Israel and Norway.
The programme will open with remarks from PIC president Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, followed by a video address from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. A key panel discussion on the conference theme will be led by AED convenor and former Ambassador Gautam Bambawale, while the closing address will be delivered by former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, chaired by PIC vice president Dr Vijay Kelkar.
At a press briefing on Monday from the PIC campus, Bambawale highlighted that several high‑level sessions — including interactive fireside chats and expert panel discussions — will be major features of AED 2026. He also pointed out how participation and global engagement at the dialogue have grown significantly over the years, with particular research interest in neighbouring countries and what he described as the “two big powers”.
For the first time in the event’s history, the dialogue will include a session exploring the intersection of public health and economic advancement, according to PIC director Dinanath Kholkar. In conjunction with AED 2026, the PIC will host a Craft Expo and its cultural celebration ‘Palash’ from February 27 to March 1 at the campus, featuring performances by renowned classical vocalist T M Krishna.
Economist and Senior Fellow at PIC Dr Ajit Ranade explained that the Ministry of External Affairs collaborates with various think tanks to organise Track 1.5 level conferences across three domains — geopolitics, geotechnology and geoeconomics — with PIC anchoring the geoeconomics component, and reiterated the centre’s vision to establish itself as a globally recognised policy research institution.
Day 2 of AED 2026 will feature panel discussions on topics such as Dual Intelligence, Public Health and Economic Development, High Technology in Strategic Defence, Technology for Defence Manufacturing and the India–Asia Chip Corridor. A highlight of the agenda will be a fireside conversation with Baba Kalyani, managing director of Bharat Forge. The concluding day’s sessions will centre on global trade dynamics and maritime geoeconomics in the Indian Ocean Region.
