“The government cannot move me”: Old remarks about Subramanian in Krishna Village are all the rage after a sudden exit
Rajan replied: “You have appointed Subbu by the government.”
Subramanian replied, “Well, I have no obligation to sing from the hymns they have given me.”
Rajan then asked, “Can they delete you?”
Subramanian said confidently: “Well, I guess it's not until the end of my term.” But on April 30, the government did it.
Sudden exit confirmed by official order
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Appeals and Pensions issued a formal order stating: “The Cabinet Appointment Committee has approved the termination of Dr. Krishnamurthy Subramanian’s Executive Director (India) at the International Monetary Fund and effective immediately.”
Subramanian was appointed in August 2022 and served in November 2025, with explanations six months in advance. He was formally responsible at the International Monetary Fund on 1 November 2022, representing a four-national constituency consisting of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Online satire won't lose audience
The resurfaced clip triggered a series of online reactions. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented: “It's not good,” another user wrote: “Ah, this guy from Kellogg IBC is not good at age.” One third added “Find this under 'Bad Age!'”. ”
The timing of the video virus spread only increased public interest, especially given the lack of official reasoning in the Ministry of Finance.
Why did Subramanian get removed from his post?
Although there is no public explanation, government sources have indicated that the termination of compliance with internal issues. The allegations include Subramanian's abuse of IMF posts to promote his book India @100: Imagine tomorrow's economic power, allegedly forcing both public and private organizations to buy it.
The book, published by RUPA Publication, outlines India’s vision to become a $55 trillion economy by 2047.
Sources also said that in recent months, Subramanian has raised questions about the IMF data set in India, and the report has a tense relationship with the agency. These conflicts are not new. His previous disagreements have also attracted attention during his tenure as Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) from 2018 to 2021.
Time to cause eyebrows before Pakistan loan vote
The decision to terminate the Subramanian service came a few days after the IMF board meeting, which proposed a $1.3 billion climate-resilient loan to Pakistan. India has been urging multilateral institutions, including the World Bank and the ADB, to stop or delay financial support to neighboring countries.
This led some to observe Subramanian's dismissal through a geopolitical lens.
The role is vacant and is expected to be replaced soon
With the departure of Subramanian, the IMF postal vacancies representing India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are temporarily open. The IMF website currently lists Harischandra Pahath Kumbure Gedara as an alternative director.
Finance Minister Ajay Seth, who will retire at the end of June, is reportedly the leader in taking over Subramanian.
Despite several attempts, Subramanian was unable to comment. Government sources said he later resigned for personal reasons.
The impact from “Thalinomics” to the IMF
Prior to joining the IMF, Subramanian served as India's chief economic adviser. He coined the term “thalinomics” in the 2019-20 economic survey, using Talli’s costs to reflect inflationary trends and support the economic management of the Modi government. He also defended the government's 2016 cancellation of monetization.
Subramanian returned to academia after his CEA tenure and was appointed to the IMF within only one year. Now his exit puts him to an outspoken comment, data disputes and viral moment, which in retrospect proves.
