Penguin India announces the acquisition of Jagdish Bhagwati: A Life in Economics and Ideas by Arvind Panagariya. The biography of one of the world’s leading trade economists is written by his close friend Arvind Panagariya, an Indian economist who is the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, was the first Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and is a former Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank. The book will be published under Viking and released in January 2027.
Bhagwati’s life spanned three continents, from India to Cambridge to MIT, and his career ran from the late 1950s to the early 2020s. He worked alongside economic giants such as Harry Johnson, Joan Robinson, Paul Samuelson and Robert Solow, and advised figures such as Kofi Annan at the United Nations and Arthur Dunkel at the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the predecessor of the World Trade Organization.
The book follows the twists and turns of his personal life alongside the evolution of trade theory itself, from his path-breaking papers of the 1960s in Delhi to his move to MIT and his later years as a leading advocate of free trade in the world’s major newspapers and journals. Drawing on one and a half-dozen one-hour conversations with Bhagwati in his 92nd year, Panagariya brings the economist’s wit and storytelling to every page.
Author Arvind Panagariya (left) with Jagdish Bhagwati (right), the subject of his biography
Speaking on the book, author Arvind Panagariya said, ‘It has been a rare privilege to know Jagdish Bhagwati not just as a guiding light in my field of specialization, but also as a mentor and friend. Therefore, it should be no surprise that writing his biography has been among the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I hope the reader will enjoy and learn from it as much as I have while writing it.’
Karthik Venkatesh, Executive Editor, Penguin Random House India, said, ‘As an economist, Jagdish Bhagwati has few peers. For close to six decades, he has steadily contributed to the discipline and explored new frontiers. This biography by renowned economist, Arvind Panagariya, gives the reader a chance not only to engage with Bhagwati’s ideas, but also understand the making of the man. We expect it to be one of 2027’s most significant releases.’
Milee Ashwarya- Publisher & Group SVP, Adult Publishing Group, Penguin Random House India said, ‘Jagdish Bhagwati has shaped the way generations understand trade, and his ideas have played a defining role in India’s economic discourse for decades. Arvind Panagariya brings a unique perspective to his story, drawing on his close association with Bhagwati as a mentor and friend, as well as his own experience at the centre of India’s economic policymaking. The result is an intimate and engaging portrait of a remarkable mind and an extraordinary life. We are delighted and proud to publish it under our Viking imprint.’
Jagdish Bhagwati: A Life in Economics and Ideas will be published in January 2027 and will be available online and in all leading bookstores.
