Gita Gopinath
Gita Gopinath (born 8 December 1971) is an Indian-American economist. She is currently the Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics at Harvard University. She previously served as the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2022 to 2025 and as Chief Economist of the IMF from 2019 to 2022.[1]
Gita Gopinath 
| |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 8 December 1971
Kolkata, India |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Education | University of Delhi (BA, MA)
University of Washington (MA) Princeton University (PhD) |
| Occupation | Economist, Professor |
| Known for | IMF Chief Economist, First Deputy Managing Director |
| Spouse | Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal |
Early Life and Education
Gita Gopinath was born in Kolkata, India, into a Malayali family originally from Kerala. She completed her schooling at Nirmala Convent School in Mysore.
She earned her bachelor's degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, in 1992, followed by a master's degree in economics from the Delhi School of Economics in 1994. She later completed another master's degree at the University of Washington in 1996. In 2001, she received her PhD in economics from Princeton University.[2]
Career
Gopinath began her academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2001. In 2005, she joined Harvard University, where she served as a professor of economics.
In October 2018, she was appointed Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), becoming the first woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she played a key role in analyzing global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which she described as the "Great Lockdown".
In December 2021, she was promoted to First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, the second-highest position in the organization. In this role, she oversaw global economic surveillance, research, and policy coordination. She stepped down from the IMF in August 2025 to return to Harvard University.[3]
Honours
Gita Gopinath has received numerous awards and recognitions. She was named among the top economists under 45 by the IMF and selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She has also been recognized by Financial Times, Time magazine, and Bloomberg for her influence in global economics.
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Econometric Society.
Personal Life
Gita Gopinath is a naturalized American citizen and also holds Overseas Citizenship of India. She is married to Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal, and the couple has one son.[4]
References
- ↑ https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/gita-gopinath-suggests-what-can-shield-indian-economy-from-global-energy-shocks/ar-AA21th9o
- ↑ https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/oil-shock-bigger-than-1970s-gita-gopinath-warns-of-impact-on-your-wallet/ar-AA21vM1O
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/geopolitics-is-a-permanent-force-in-global-policy-feels-economist-gita-gopinath/articleshow/129766562.cms
- ↑ https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2025/10/gita-gopinaths-departure-rekindles-debate-about-us-exorbitant-influence-at-imf/