Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2026
The Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) is a premier international geoeconomic conference organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Pune International Centre (PIC). As one of the three prominent Track 1.5 dialogues supported by the MEA, the AED has emerged as a crucial platform for fostering meaningful discussions on pressing global and regional economic challenges.
The 7th edition of the Asia Economic Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Pune from February 26 to February 28, 2026, will revolve around the theme “Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation: Tariffs, Technologies and Strategic Alignments.” The conference will explore pivotal geoeconomic topics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Defence Manufacturing, Semiconductors, the Geoeconomics of the Indian Ocean, World Trade Systems, High Technology, and Public Health.
Over the years, AED has been instrumental in addressing critical economic issues, with its previous editions featuring distinguished participants such as ministers, diplomats, and thought leaders from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
AED 2026 will bring together a diverse group of academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and other nations. Ministerial participation will further amplify the discourse, facilitating an exchange of transformative ideas and strategic insights.
This year’s dialogue promises to address the complexities of economic fragmentation and identify actionable pathways for resilience and resurgence. By fostering nuanced discussions on emerging challenges and opportunities, AED 2026 aims to empower nations, industries, and individuals to navigate the evolving geoeconomic landscape.
Through its continued engagement with key stakeholders, the Asia Economic Dialogue remains committed to strengthening regional and global economic cooperation, positioning Asia as a pivotal force in shaping the future of the global economy.
⏳ The countdown begins!
— Pune Int Centre (@PuneIntCentre) November 20, 2025
🌏 #AsiaEconomicDialogue returns to #Pune on 26–28 February 2026.
This year’s theme — #Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation — explores #tariffs, #technologies, and strategic alignments.
Stay tuned for more. #AED2026 @MEAIndia @rameshmashelkar @GBambawale pic.twitter.com/pzaNKmLwd4
🔁 It’s happening again!
— Pune Int Centre (@PuneIntCentre) December 6, 2025
🌏 #AsiaEconomicDialogue returns to #Pune from 26–28 February 2026.
Dive into this year’s theme — Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation — as we explore tariffs, technologies, and global strategic realignments. 🌐 @rameshmashelkar @GBambawale @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/ojdCXlPRap
Schedule (Coming Soon)
About Pune
Pune is a city in the Maharashtra state of western India. Called the ‘Queen of the Deccan’, Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city gained importance in the 17th century during the Maratha dynasty, when it served as the official capital. It was home to the Peshwas, who were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire. After 1817, it was the seasonal capital of the British Bombay Presidency. Today, Pune is the headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian army, with the National Defence Academy located nearby.
Referred to as the ‘Oxford and Cambridge of India’, the city is also a major educational and cultural centre, with more than 30 constituent and affiliated colleges, housing thousands of national and international students. Pune is one of the leading IT services centres, with the biggest IT park of India located at Hinjewadi.
Pune is surrounded by the spectacular Sahyadri range, which has many important forts of historical significance, such as Raigad, Pratapgad, and Torna.
The city is well linked to other parts of the country. The Pune Airport is approximately 15km from the city centre and is well connected with all the states of India and several international destinations.