Bodh Gaya: Policymakers, academics and international experts gathered at the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya this week for a conference examining the future of emerging markets, with senior Indian officials calling for reforms to sustain long-term growth while maintaining economic stability.
The second edition of the Contemporary Issues in Emerging Market Conference (CIEMC 2.0), organised in collaboration with Russia’s Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN University), centred on the theme “Reimagining Emerging Market Economies: Growth with Stability and Sustainability”. The event received more than 470 research submissions, of which 342 papers were selected for presentation across 44 parallel sessions. Researchers from over 25 Indian states participated, alongside contributors from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Malaysia and Bangladesh.
In her opening remarks, Vinita S. Sahay, director of IIM Bodh Gaya, said the institute aimed to develop “mindful business leaders” capable of responding to complex global challenges.
Delivering the inaugural address, Suman K. Bery, vice-chairperson of NITI Aayog, said emerging economies were no longer peripheral players in the global system. Countries once described as the “third world”, he noted, were now central to global trade, demand and value chains. “The vision of Viksit Bharat will be shaped by the youth and for the youth, driven by innovation, skills and enterprise,” he said, adding that international academic collaborations were vital to strengthening policy dialogue.
Manoj Kumar Singh, chief executive of the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission, highlighted India’s demographic profile and expanding services sector as key economic strengths. He said future growth would depend on the adoption of artificial intelligence, institutional strengthening and data-driven governance.
A panel discussion on geopolitical uncertainty in emerging markets, moderated by columnist Tamal Bandyopadhyay, brought together Abhishek Anand of Insignia Policy Research and Himanshu Joshi of the Atal Innovation Mission at NITI Aayog. Speakers discussed how developing economies could respond to global instability, drawing on ideas of adaptability and balance.
International keynote speakers also addressed structural challenges facing emerging markets. Bruno S. Sergi of the University of Messina warned against “greenwashing” in the transition to greener economies and called for greater transparency and accountability in environmental policy. Marina Khramova of RUDN University focused on demographic change, noting that ageing populations are reshaping labour markets and long-term growth trajectories.
On the second day, V. Anantha Nageswaran, India’s chief economic adviser, called for simplifying regulatory frameworks to support micro, small and medium enterprises. “Regulation often impacts MSMEs more than large firms, and therefore simplifying these frameworks must remain a key policy priority,” he said, adding that such reforms could be undertaken domestically without reliance on global conditions. He argued that reducing compliance burdens would enable smaller firms to invest more effectively in technology and productivity.
Dr Rashmi Singh, secretary of Delhi’s department of women and child development, also addressed the conference, focusing on gender equality and state-led initiatives for women’s empowerment.
The conference concluded with organisers emphasising its role as a platform linking academic research with policymaking, as emerging economies continue to position themselves at the centre of global economic debate.
