Dr. Radhika Pandey, one of India’s most respected macroeconomic experts, policy researchers, and public intellectuals, passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 46. Her untimely demise followed complications from an emergency liver transplant at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi. The loss of economist Radhika Pandey leaves a deep void in India’s policy and research ecosystem.
Who Was Radhika Pandey?
Radhika Pandey was a distinguished economist with over a decade of experience in public finance and macroeconomic research. She held a Ph.D. in Economics and served as an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)—one of India’s premier economic think tanks. Her research spanned critical areas like inflation targeting, monetary policy, capital markets regulation, and fiscal reforms, helping bridge the gap between empirical analysis and actionable policy.
Key Areas of Expertise
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Monetary Policy and Inflation
Economist Radhika Pandey made notable contributions to understanding India’s monetary transmission mechanisms, interest rate frameworks, and inflation dynamics. Her analysis of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) policy stance was often described as data-rich, objective, and forward-looking.
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Capital Markets and Financial Regulation
A leading voice in financial sector reform, Radhika Pandey economist focused on strengthening India’s bond markets, regulatory architecture, and digital finance environment. Her work on capital account convertibility and foreign investment policy remains widely cited.
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Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
Radhika Pandey provided deep insights into fiscal discipline, public debt sustainability, and transparent budgeting practices. Her commentary during Union Budget seasons helped decode complex fiscal documents for both experts and the general public.
Academic and Media Contributions
Economist Radhika Pandey was a regular contributor to India’s top economic and policy publications including The Hindu Business Line, Mint, The Economic Times, and The Print. She was especially known for her MacroSutra column and video series with The Print, where she simplified intricate macroeconomic concepts for a wider audience.
Her academic contributions included participation in expert panels, government working groups, and co-authored research papers on inflation, financial stability, and policy design. Her work was frequently referenced in government reports and economic surveys.
Why Radhika Pandey Mattered in 2025
As India emerged from the pandemic-era slowdown, Radhika Pandey economist advocated for resilient economic growth, green budgeting, and inclusive fiscal frameworks. Her data-driven, non-partisan approach made her one of the most credible voices on India’s economic trajectory in a globally uncertain climate.
Her influence extended beyond research—she mentored young economists, advised government bodies, and engaged in public education to improve economic literacy.
Final Days and Unforgettable Dedication
In mid-2025, Radhika Pandey was hospitalized with acute liver failure due to jaundice caused by typhoid. Her son, Kanishk, bravely donated a part of his liver for a transplant procedure. Though the initial surgery was deemed successful, complications eventually claimed her life on June 28, 2025.
Even during her hospitalization, economist Radhika Pandey continued to work—recording her final MacroSutra episode from her hospital bed, a testament to her unrelenting dedication to informing the public.
The Lasting Legacy of Economist Radhika Pandey
- Policy Influence
Radhika Pandey’s empirical research played a pivotal role in shaping India’s monetary policy framework, inflation targeting model, and debt management strategies. She was often referenced in RBI working papers and Finance Ministry briefs.
- Mentorship and Leadership
At NIPFP, she led expert teams advising the government on crucial reforms, combining analytical excellence with a nurturing leadership style admired by peers and junior researchers alike.
- Public Communication
Through her accessible writing and visual explainers, Radhika Pandey economist demystified topics like GDP, interest rates, and fiscal deficits—empowering citizens to engage more meaningfully with economic issues.
Conclusion
The passing of economist Radhika Pandey is a monumental loss to India’s economic and policy community. Her legacy, however, lives on through her body of research, the many lives she mentored, and the national debates she enriched with clarity, integrity, and intellectual rigor.
As India navigates its economic future, the wisdom of Radhika Pandey will continue to guide policymakers, researchers, and students for years to come.
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