Subramanian’s IMF Tenure Cut Short; Search for Successor Begins

India’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr Krishnamurthy V Subramanian, has been recalled by the Indian government six months ahead of schedule. Originally appointed in November 2022 with a term expected to end in late 2025, Subramanian’s service at the IMF has been terminated with immediate effect, as approved by the appointment committee of the cabinet, according to a notification dated April 30, 2025, seen by ETV Bharat. As of May 3, 2025, the IMF’s official website reflects the vacancy in the position. While the government has begun the process of nominating his replacement, no official reason has been disclosed for the early recall.

KV Subramanian, a former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, holds the distinction of being the youngest person to have held the position in the North Block. As CEA, he provided counsel to the government on economic conditions and reforms, and was responsible for drafting the annual Economic Survey preceding the Union Budget. Subramanian played a crucial role in shaping policies during the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and has served on expert committees for both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

With a PhD in financial economics, Subramanian’s academic background includes teaching roles at Emory University and the Indian School of Business, focusing his research on banking, corporate governance, and economic policy. With his term at the IMF cut short, speculation now arises regarding his future endeavors, which may involve a return to academia or another significant role in India’s economic policymaking arena. ETV Bharat reached out to Krishnamurthy V Subramanian for his comments on this development, but as of publication, no response has been received.