Pune: The first day of the 6th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED 2025) concluded with an insightful Fireside Chat featuring Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, in conversation with author Rama Bijapurkar.
Mazumdar-Shaw underscored the need for India to transition from being known as a supplier of low-cost pharmaceuticals to a global provider of health security. She emphasized that sustainable economic practices, innovative research, and the utilization of local talent are crucial in achieving global competitiveness. She advocated for an approach centered on “affordable innovation” and “affordable excellence” to strengthen India's position in the global healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Additionally, Mazumdar-Shaw highlighted the significance of strategic negotiations with the United States, particularly in areas concerning tariffs and localized production.
Bijapurkar, speaking on India’s economic potential, addressed the country’s robust startup ecosystem and the critical role of attracting foreign capital. Both speakers concurred that a strong ecosystem—comprising government support and regulatory reforms—is essential for driving economic growth and innovation.
The Asia Economic Dialogue, now in its sixth edition, is jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Pune International Centre (PIC). Themed ‘Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation’, AED 2025 features 12 sessions over three days, bringing together over 40 distinguished speakers, including academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from nine countries—Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Over the course of the event, AED 2025 aims to address the challenges of economic fragmentation and explore strategies for resilience and resurgence. Discussions will focus on pivotal geoeconomic issues, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, African Economic Transformation, the Blue Economy, the International Monetary System, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and Climate Change
