The Indian Express and the Financial Times have today announced a major partnership centered around a series of high-level, online events that will explore the steps required to revive India’s global competitiveness, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues into its second year.
The series, entitled “India’s Place in the Post-Pandemic World”, will be co-produced by The Indian Express and FT Live, the global conferences and events division of the Financial Times Group. The events will gather policy, business and finance leaders from India and overseas to debate how the country can remain a leading player on the world stage, both economically and diplomatically, as it rebuilds after the pandemic.
The first event, on April 22, will focus on “India’s Quest for Economic Power” and feature a live keynote interview with the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman; a presentation by the FT’s Chief Economics Commentator Martin Wolf, on India’s place in the post-COVID world economy; and an exclusive fireside chat with the UK’s Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone.
This will be followed on May 20 by “India, China and the US: A New Geopolitical Landscape?”, a close look at India’s troubled ties with China and how New Delhi’s relationship with the US will evolve under the Biden administration. Events focused on Banking & Finance, and Technology & Sustainability, will be held in September and November.
John Ridding, CEO, FT Group said:“We are delighted to be launching this series of events with The Indian Express, one of India’s most respected news organisations, with millions of loyal readers not just within India but also overseas. The speed and shape of the global recovery will depend significantly on how quickly large and dynamic emerging markets like India can get back on their feet. These online debates will be an important platform to discuss the role policy-makers, investors and business leaders can play in reviving India’s competitiveness, in the context of global economic, geopolitical and industry trends.”
Anant Goenka, Executive Director, Indian Express Group said: “It’s a pleasure to partner with the FT, one the most respected and innovative news organizations in the world for this series. At these times of atmanirbharta, India’s relationship with the world and the global view of India are both crucial to understand. The FT and the IE have brought together our formidable journalistic resources to create this important and exciting stage, and an equally interesting audience. We are looking forward and grateful to the Honorable Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman for agreeing to do the inaugural interaction.