Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Economist | Former Deputy Chairman - Planning Commission | Visiting Professor - New York Stern School of Business, Independent

Media, Public Affairs and International Relations | Economics, Finance, Academics

Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Biography

Montek Singh Ahluwalia is a globally respected economist and policy strategist, known for architecting key economic reforms that shaped modern India. As the former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (2004–2014), he led the design and implementation of the Five-Year Plans during a transformative decade for the Indian economy. A Rhodes Scholar and Oxford-trained economist, Montek began his career at the World Bank and later held pivotal roles in the Indian government, including Finance Secretary, Commerce Secretary, and Special Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Renowned for his analytical acumen and consensus-building approach, he played a central role in driving reforms in infrastructure, trade, health, education, and fiscal policy. He was also instrumental in shaping India’s global economic engagement, particularly with the IMF, G20, and climate finance forums. Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2011, he continues to influence public discourse as a speaker, author, and academic.

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