Sitharaman's Global Financial Diplomacy: Strengthening India's Economic Ties

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to lead India's delegation on a carefully crafted international tour visiting Spain, Portugal, and Brazil from June 30 to July 5, 2025. The visit aims to bolster India's economic partnerships and influence global economic strategies. The Ministry of Finance announced the itinerary which includes significant participation in international conferences and high-level bilateral discussions.

In Seville, Spain, Sitharaman will represent India at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) organized by the United Nations. There, she will deliver a comprehensive statement from India, underlining the nation's commitment to sustainable and inclusive financial growth. Her agenda also includes a keynote address at the International Business Forum Leadership Summit focusing on the transition from FFD4 outcomes to practical implementations of private capital for development. Other planned engagements involve meetings with senior ministers from Germany, Peru, and New Zealand, along with discussions with the President of the European Investment Bank.

The itinerary continues in Lisbon, Portugal, where Sitharaman is scheduled for a bilateral meeting with Portugal's Finance Minister and interactions with key investors and members of the Indian diaspora. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she will address the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank and partake in the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, ensuring that India's voice is prominent in these pivotal international financial discussions.

During her visit, Sitharaman will also engage in bilateral discussions with counterparts from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Russia, reinforcing India's stance on building robust financial relationships. Ahead of her travel, she chaired a performance review meeting in New Delhi with the MDs and CEOs of Public Sector Banks, focusing on financial strength, inclusive lending, cybersecurity, and customer innovation for FY 2024-25. Public Sector Banks showed remarkable growth with a record ₹1.78 lakh crore net profit and improved asset quality, setting a positive tone for further international engagements.

(With inputs from agencies.)