T.S. Vishwanath has expertise in analysing multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, global economic policies, and regulatory frameworks over three decades. As a trusted advisor to both government and industry, he has an in-depth understanding of competitiveness and policy dynamics across sectors. His leadership roles at ASL-Legal and the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), coupled with his extensive engagement with Indian government departments and international organisations, make him a key strategist in navigating trade and regulatory challenges. With a rich background as a former Senior Director at CII and a trade policy expert, Vishwanath brings the strategic vision and stakeholder engagement capabilities essential for driving this project to success.

Laxmi Vishwanath is a Chartered Accountant with close to thirty years of experience. She has worked on audits and financial analysis for some large corporates and CA firms. For about a decade, she specialised in trade remedial measures, including anti-dumping and safeguards, bringing valuable financial and regulatory insights to VeK.

Manish Sharma brings extensive experience in policy advisory, regulatory frameworks, and government affairs, having worked with leading organisations such as Garware Technical Fibres, Fortis Hospital Group, Vedanta Limited, Jindal Steel & Power, and Reliance Industries. In his client-facing role, Manish excels at identifying new areas for advocacy, finding innovative solutions to challenges, and engaging effectively with government stakeholders. His deep expertise spans diverse industries, including chemicals, environment, pharmaceuticals, and science & technology, where he has successfully navigated complex regulatory landscapes. Known for fostering innovation and sustainability, Manish’s strategic insights and ability to build meaningful government relationships make him a critical asset to the team.

An expert in trade data, economic analysis, and policy research, Suresh P. Singh plays a vital role in translating complex economic insights into actionable policy recommendations.  His ability to interpret trade dynamics and regulatory impacts ensures that VeK’s strategies are well-grounded in evidence. With a strong foundation in research and research-based advocacy, Suresh excels in crafting compelling arguments grounded in evidence, enabling the team to navigate debates and discussions effectively.

Aman Singh brings a sharp analytical mind and expertise in data-driven storytelling to the team, with a strong focus on trade data, bilateral trade, and SPS/TBT issues. His ability to analyse complex datasets and extract meaningful insights helps translate intricate trade and economic data into clear, impactful narratives. His knack for weaving data-based narratives ensures that even the most complex information is accessible and actionable.

Pragya Prakash brings a unique blend of technical expertise, policy acumen, and project management skills. With a rich background in biotechnology research at premier institutions like IARI and TERI, she has demonstrated her ability to lead complex scientific projects, publish in international journals, and delivered tangible outputs. Her experience at VeK and the Quality Council of India showcases her strong capabilities in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. A postgraduate in Policy Design & Management from the Indian School of Public Policy, Pragya combines her deep understanding of science and technology with a policy-oriented mindset, making her an invaluable asset for bridging technical insights with actionable policy strategies for AFR adoption.

Saloni Goyal brings a deep understanding of trade and international relations, with expertise in interpreting Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and analysing their implications. She excels at forming narratives for data-based advocacy, ensuring that complex trade dynamics are effectively communicated to diverse stakeholders. Saloni’s insights into trade relations between nations, the balance of trade, and the concepts of competitive and absolute advantage enable her to craft compelling arguments that highlight key opportunities and challenges. Her ability to bridge data analysis with strategic storytelling makes her a vital contributor to the team’s efforts to shape impactful trade policies and foster stronger global partnerships.

Abhilasha Nayal is a results-driven Policy Research Associate with a robust biotechnology and scientific research foundation, developed at esteemed institutions such as AIIMS, TERI SAS, and NII. Her deep expertise in genetic regulation, immunology, and vaccine development is complemented by strong data analysis and project management skills, enabling her to address intricate policy challenges through a scientific lens. At VeK, Abhilasha leverages her technical acumen to craft evidence-based policy recommendations that seamlessly bridge innovation and actionable strategy. Her collaborative mindset and commitment to driving impactful outcomes make her an indispensable asset in advancing initiatives in healthcare, sustainability, and technology.

Adhiraj Gupta brings a robust analytical acumen to public policy research, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to evidence-based insights and strategic problem-solving. His work spans critical areas such as urban social protection, civic engagement, and regulatory frameworks, where his proficiency in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and field research transforms complex challenges into actionable policy solutions. A Public Policy & Governance postgraduate from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Hyderabad, Adhiraj employs meticulous data gathering and comprehensive literature reviews to inform his initiatives. His continuous pursuit of learning and incorporation of diverse perspectives ensure that his contributions remain both innovative and grounded in rigour.

Leah Miriam George works on healthcare and sustainability, particularly nutrition and ESG. Working in interdisciplinary sectors, she excels at stakeholder mapping, profiling, and engagement with government bodies, think tanks, and industry leaders. Holding a master’s degree in chemistry and a postgraduate qualification in Public Policy, Leah integrates a scientific and analytical perspective into her approach, adding considerable value to the team.

Prakhyat brings extensive experience in parliamentary affairs, policy research, and strategic communication, having worked with the offices of Members of Parliament, a Minister of State, and a Member of the Legislative Assembly. His professional journey includes significant engagements with leading organisations such as Godrej Industries Group, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and various parliamentary offices. His interests lie at the intersection of international relations, trade, sustainability, and technology, reflecting his commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges through effective policy solutions.

Anil Gupta is the backbone of the team’s operations, adept at managing activities and ensuring smooth office administration. With expertise in establishing processes for office functions and institutional engagement, he ensures that the team operates efficiently and effectively. Anil’s administration and due diligence skills enable him to maintain a well-structured workflow, allowing the team to focus on achieving their strategic objectives. His organisational abilities and attention to detail make him an indispensable support system, ensuring the team’s initiatives are executed seamlessly.