Government recalls Krishnamurthy Subramanian from IMF six months before expiry of term

The Government of India has officially terminated Dr. Krishnamurthy Subramanian's services as Executive Director (India) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with immediate effect. The decision was taken by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, as stated in a government order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on 30 April 2025.

The order, signed by Manisha Saxena, Secretary of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, marks a significant change in India’s representation at the global financial institution. While the notice did not specify the reason behind the termination, it confirms that the decision is effective from April 30, 2025.

Dr. Subramanian, who served as India’s Chief Economic Adviser from 2018 to 2021, was appointed India’s Executive Director at the IMF in 2022. Known for his policy insights and academic grounding, his appointment was seen as a continuation of India’s reform-oriented voice at the multilateral institution.

Subramanian's removal comes just ahead of the IMF Executive Board meeting on May 9, where funding arrangements for Pakistan are scheduled to be reviewed.

The notification has been circulated to senior government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Secretaries to the President and Vice President of India. The Cabinet Secretariat has also been instructed to act on the matter.

Born on 5 May 1971 in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, Dr Krishnamurthy V Subramanian has played important roles both in academia and within the Indian government.

He served as the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India and is currently India’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he represents the country’s interests on the global financial stage.

Dr Subramanian did his graduation from at IIT Kanpur. From the college, he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He later completed his post graduation from IIM Calcutta. To deepen his understanding of financial systems, he went on to earn a PhD in financial economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, one of the top institutions in the world.