Commentary

Dear Friends,

Welcome to The Vantage. In this edition, we highlight ICPP’s work over the past six months across research, policy engagement, teaching and dialogue.

• Our lead piece examines the fiscal impact of the ongoing oil shock, estimating that the fiscal deficit could rise to 4.8–4.9% of GDP, against the budgeted 4.3%, with prolonged disruption adding further pressure.

• The 2nd Annual ICPP Growth Conference brought together 50 speakers and 350 participants in New Delhi, strengthening its role as a forum for government, researchers and industry leaders to discuss key policy issues.

• We also launched two new research verticals—Financial Markets & Public Policy and Tax Policy—while our research output included six discussion papers, the India’s Jobs in Transition report, policy briefs and regular op-eds.

• Our policy engagement has expanded to eight central ministries and departments, Parliament, regulators and state governments. Key initiatives include advising Bihar on its global backend hub strategy and developing India’s first Logistics Cost Index for EXIM trade with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and JNPA.

We remain committed to bridging rigorous research with practical policy implementation. Thank you for your continued support and engagement with ICPP’s work.

This document is summarizing key activities, research outputs, and engagements over the past six months.

It highlights major developments, including a Memorandum of Understanding with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to create India’s first Logistics Cost Index, aimed at improving trade efficiency and policymaking. The newsletter also introduces an upcoming flagship report, “Samriddh Bihar,” which outlines strategies to unlock Bihar’s economic potential.

The centre reports expansion into International Trade as a new research focus area and showcases multiple policy discussion papers and briefs addressing critical issues such as employment, financial policy, women’s workforce participation, and agricultural sustainability.

Additionally, the document summarizes events and academic engagements, including conferences, expert talks, collaborations with institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, and student activities such as mock policy sessions and field visits.

It also features media mentions, macroeconomic insights, and upcoming initiatives, reinforcing ICPP’s mission to bridge academic research with practical policymaking and contribute to India’s economic development.

This document is an ICPP Quarterly Newsletter highlighting key activities, including the inaugural Growth Conference in Delhi, recent research on public debt and macroeconomics, expert talks, and policy discussions. It showcases ICPP’s efforts in advancing evidence-based policy, academic engagement, and India’s economic development agenda.

This document is the first edition of the ICPP Quarterly Newsletter, outlining the Centre’s research priorities, key events, policy briefs, and academic initiatives. It highlights ICPP’s focus on major economic areas and its role in promoting evidence-based policy discussions and public engagement in India.