Manish Tewari, Indian National Congress at the 53rd SKOCH Summit

Mr Manish Tewari, National Spokesperson, Indian National Congress & Former Union Minister, during the Panel Discussion: 'IS DE-GLOBALISATION THE NEW WORLD ORDER?' at the 53rd SKOCH Summit, 19th September 2018, Constitution Club of India, New Delhi

Discussion Framework:

Globalisation and opening up of Indian economy since 1991 has delivered rich dividends. The country historically caughtup in a 5% growth trap due to License-Permit Raj came of age and reported high single-digit or even double-digit growth post opening up of the economy. This lifted more than 200 million Indians out of poverty. With President Trump at the helm in the US promoting an America First policy, the world braces itself for another trade war. A war that should logically be an America vs China battle due to a hugely lopsided balance of trade, India too seems to have willy-nilly wandered into this mine-field through its recent policy directions on Data Localization, e-Commerce and Privacy. Perception is that
these directly and adversely impact global service providers in India through non-trade barriers. The proponents of such moves believe that it will generate jobs, protect Indian industry and be good for the economy if an India First policy is pursued across sectors. While industry offers death of innovation argument, this panel seeks answers to the difficult questions:

1. Is inward looking policy on services a prudent policy?

2. Should e-commerce be micromanaged?

3. What is the likely impact of de-globalisation approach to
Indian economy and regulation?

4. How do you balance India’s need for FDI and the imperatives
to raise barriers?

Keynote: Mr Manish Tewari, National Spokesperson, Indian
National Congress & Former Union Minister

Moderator: Mr Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, SKOCH Group

Dr Ashwini Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagran Manch

Dr Shamika Ravi, Part-time Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India & Director, Research, Brookings India

Mr Sivarama Krishnan, Leader, Cyber Security, PwC

Mr Tanmoy Chakrabarty, Group Government Affairs Officer, Tata Sons

Mr Vikas Varma, SVP - Account Management, South Asia, Mastercard