Who is Gita Gopinath?
Gita Gopinath is a renowned Indian-American economist and the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She is globally recognized for her groundbreaking work in international finance, macroeconomics, and trade policies. Gopinath made history as the first woman and first Indian to serve as the IMF’s Chief Economist. Her intellectual contributions and leadership have made her one of the most influential voices in global economic policy today.
| Full Name | Gita Gopinath |
| Profession | Economist |
| Current Position | First Deputy Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF) |
| Former Position | Chief Economist, IMF (2019–2022) |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1971 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 53 Years |
| Birthplace | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Hometown | Mysuru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Education | Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University |
| Alma Mater | Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi School of Economics, University of Washington, Princeton University |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Iqbal Dhaliwal |
| Children | 1 Son |
| Father’s Name | T.V. Gopinath |
| Mother’s Name | V.C. Vijayalakshmi |
| Languages Known | English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada |
| Residence | Washington D.C., United States |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $5 Million (as of 2025) |
| Awards & Honors | Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, Bloomberg 50, Top Global Thinker |
| Known For | Being the first Indian woman to serve as IMF Chief Economist |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Mentoring Young Economists |
Gita Gopinath Early Life
Gita Gopinath was born on December 8, 1971, in Kolkata, West Bengal. She grew up in Mysuru, Karnataka, in a middle-class family that valued education and discipline. From a young age, Gita displayed exceptional academic brilliance and curiosity about world affairs and economics. Her upbringing in an academically inclined household inspired her to pursue excellence and explore the complex systems of finance and global policy.
Gita Gopinath Education
Gita Gopinath’s educational journey is a testament to her intellect and determination. She completed her B.A. in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College (Delhi University), followed by a master’s degree from the Delhi School of Economics. She later pursued another M.A. at the University of Washington before earning her Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University in 2001.
At Princeton, she studied under Nobel laureates Kenneth Rogoff and Ben Bernanke, which further shaped her understanding of global financial systems.
Gita Gopinath Family
Gita Gopinath was born to T.V. Gopinath and V.C. Vijayalakshmi, both of whom encouraged her academic pursuits. She is married to Iqbal Dhaliwal, who is the Global Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT. The couple has one son and resides in the United States.
Despite her global success, Gita remains deeply connected to her Indian roots and often acknowledges her parents’ influence and support in shaping her values and ambitions.
Gita Gopinath Career
Early Career
After completing her Ph.D., Gita joined the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as an Assistant Professor of Economics. Her early research focused on international macroeconomics, exchange rates, and trade dynamics.
Harvard University
In 2005, she joined Harvard University as a Professor of Economics, where she became one of the youngest professors to receive tenure. Her academic work was highly acclaimed and published in top economic journals, establishing her as a leading researcher in global economics.
Chief Economist at IMF
In October 2018, Gita Gopinath was appointed as the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — becoming the first woman to ever hold this prestigious position. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in shaping global financial responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for coordinated fiscal and monetary policies worldwide.
First Deputy Managing Director of IMF
In January 2022, she was promoted to the role of First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, the second-highest position in the organization. She continues to guide global economic policy, focusing on sustainable growth, debt restructuring, and climate change finance.
Her career reflects an exceptional balance between academic excellence and policy leadership.
Gita Gopinath Personal Life
Gita Gopinath is married to Iqbal Dhaliwal, a fellow economist and policy researcher. The couple shares a son and resides in the United States. Outside her professional commitments, Gita enjoys reading, mentoring young economists, and promoting education for girls in India.
She is known for her humble nature, sharp intellect, and passion for making economics accessible to the public.
Controversy
Gita Gopinath has maintained a clean and respected public image throughout her career. She is known for her professionalism and intellectual integrity, and there have been no controversies associated with her personal or professional life.
Gita Gopinath Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers (Approx.) | Content Type |
| Twitter (X) | @gitagopinath | 395.2K+ | Economic insights, global policy updates |
| Gita Gopinath | 500K+ | Professional updates, research highlights | |
| @gita_gopinath | 79.5K+ | — |
Gita Gopinath Net Worth
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
| IMF Salary & Allowances | $450,000+ annually |
| Teaching & Lectures | $100,000+ per year |
| Research & Publications | $50,000+ |
| Total Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $5 Million USD |
Gita Gopinath Physical Appearance
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Complexion | Fair |
Interesting Facts about Gita Gopinath
- Gita Gopinath is the first Indian woman to serve as IMF Chief Economist.
- She holds dual citizenship of India and the United States.
- She was included in Bloomberg’s 50 Most Influential People in the World.
- She has co-authored several policy papers on exchange rates and global capital flows.
- Gita was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian government.
- She is fluent in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.
- Her research has been cited in over 15,000 academic papers.
- She was also a member of the G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance.
FAQs about Gita Gopinath
Q1. Who is Gita Gopinath?
Gita Gopinath is an Indian-American economist and the First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF.
Q2. What is Gita Gopinath’s age?
As of 2025, Gita Gopinath is 53 years old.
Q3. Where was Gita Gopinath born?
She was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Q4. Who is Gita Gopinath’s husband?
Her husband is Iqbal Dhaliwal, Executive Director of J-PAL at MIT.
Q5. What is Gita Gopinath’s current position?
She is the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Q6. What is Gita Gopinath’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $5 million as of 2025.
Q7. What are Gita Gopinath’s main research areas?
Her work focuses on international finance, macroeconomics, and trade.
Q8. Has Gita Gopinath received any awards?
Yes, she has received multiple honors, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and recognition among the world’s top global thinkers.
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