In a major loss to India’s economic and intellectual community, Bibek Debroy, a noted economist and the Chairman of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), passed away early Friday morning at the age of 69. According to reports from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, Debroy succumbed to complications due to an intestinal obstruction at 7:00 a.m.
Prime Minister Modi expressed deep condolences on his official X account, praising Debroy as a “towering scholar” who made significant contributions in fields spanning economics, history, culture, politics, and spirituality. Modi’s post read, “Dr. Bibek Debroy Ji was well-versed in diverse domains… Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth.”
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), chaired by Debroy, is an independent body that advises the Indian government on critical economic issues and policies. Debroy’s guidance on economic reforms, fiscal policies, and his interest in translating ancient Indian texts into contemporary language have been influential in shaping public discourse and policy.
The EAC-PM, currently comprising members such as economists Dr. Shamika Ravi, Sanjeev Sanyal, and Rakesh Mohan, is a diverse team of part-time experts in economics and public policy. Debroy’s passing is seen as a significant loss to the council, as well as to the broader field of Indian economics and intellectual study.
Debroy’s contributions extended beyond his economic expertise, earning him respect for his scholarly pursuits and cultural engagements. His work on translating ancient Indian epics made him a unique figure in India’s intellectual circles, bridging modern economics with India’s cultural heritage.