By A Correspondent
The last session on Day 1 of the 6th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED 2025) featured a Fireside Chat with Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, hosted by Ms. Rama Bijapurkar, distinguished expert on India’s consumer economy and author of Lilliput Land – How Small is Driving India’s Mega Consumption Story.
Discussing the challenges and opportunities in India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors with the host, Ms. Rama Bijapurkar, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw emphasised the need for India to shift its narrative from being a supplier of cheap drugs to a provider of health security. Stressing the need for sustainable economic practices, innovative research, and leveraging local talent, she said the aim should be to achieve global competence with affordable innovation and affordable excellence.
She also highlighted the importance of strategic negotiations with the US, particularly regarding tariffs and local production.
Ms. Bijapurkar spoke about the potential of India’s startup ecosystem and the importance of attracting foreign capital. Both agreed on the necessity of a strong ecosystem, including government support and regulatory reforms, to drive economic growth and innovation.
Earlier, delivering the Inaugural Address, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, said India continues to be an oasis with stability and the fastest growing economy amidst the conflicts around the world.
Themed ‘Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation’, this is the 6th edition of the AED jointly organised by the MEA and PIC. The 3-day, 12-session international conference brings together more than 40 speakers including academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from nine countries — Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Over three days, AED 2025 addresses the complexities of economic fragmentation and identifies actionable pathways for resilience and resurgence. Through nuanced discussions on the challenges and opportunities, the conference aims to empower nations, industries, and individuals to navigate the evolving geoeconomic landscape.
Among the pivotal geoeconomic topics explored at AED 2025 are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, African Transformation, Blue Economy, the International Monetary System, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and Climate Change.
