Conference Director’s Message 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Mukesh Butani
Conference Director, Foundation for International Taxation

It is my privilege to welcome you to the Foundation for International Taxation’s 30th Annual Conference, taking place on December 5-6, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai. Over three decades, this conference has evolved into a premier global forum for dialogue on international taxation-bringing together policymakers, jurists, academics, and industry leaders to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing tax landscape.

This year’s theme, “Evolutionary Corridors of Tax Policy and Certainty,” could not be timelier. The international tax system stands at an inflexion point, shaped by seismic shifts in global trade, digitalization, and sustainability imperatives. As nations recalibrate their fiscal frameworks and multilateral initiatives redefine norms, the demand for clarity, stability, and fairness has never been greater. Our deliberations will explore how tax policy can adapt to these paradigm changes-balancing technical precision with practical application, and ensuring that systems remain equitable, predictable, and aligned with the realities of a globalised economy.

We are honored to host an extraordinary lineup of thought leaders, including Philip Baker KC, Guglielmo Maisto, Natalia Quinones Cruz, Dr. Robert Danon, Pascal Saint-Amans, Monique van Herksen, Will Morris, Dr. Raffaele Petruzzi, and Luisa Scarcella, alongside distinguished prolocutors such as Ramy Mohammed Youssef (Deputy Minister of Finance, Egypt) and Dr. Achim Pross from the OECD. Adding to the distinction of this thirtieth edition, the Conference shall be graced by an eminent jurists whose contributions have profoundly enriched the discourse on tax as subject in India- The Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K. Sikri, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, will deliver a thought‑provoking lecture on “Nexus Principle and Its Implications for International Tax Policy” during the pre-conference speakers’ event. To culminate the proceedings, the Hon’ble Ms. Justice Aarti Arun Sathe of the Bombay High Court will deliver the Valedictory Address, offering closing reflections on the judiciary’s role in guiding the next era of tax certainty.

Across ten technical sessions, we will engage in rigorous discussions on the evolving contours of tax policy-examining how certainty can be achieved amidst unprecedented global transformations. These sessions will feature perspectives from government, industry, legal practice, and academia, including active participation from the Department of Revenue, Government of India, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and collaborative dialogue.

We are also privileged to welcome The Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.R. Shriram, Former Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, and Ms. Manal S. Corwin, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, as distinguished luncheon speakers, whose insights will bridge judicial wisdom and global policy leadership.

This conference is not merely an event-it is a crucible for ideas that will influence tax policy and practice worldwide. It is a space where diverse perspectives converge to advance certainty, fairness, and resilience in international taxation. I invite you to immerse yourself in this intellectual journey, engage with global thought leaders, and contribute to conversations that will define the next chapter in tax policy.