FM Nirmala Sitharaman to Lead India’s Global Economic Push in Europe, Brazil

In a key diplomatic and economic outreach, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to embark on a high-level official visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil from June 30 to July 5, 2025. The visit is poised to advance India's multilateral engagement on sustainable finance, strengthen bilateral economic partnerships, and highlight India's growing leadership in shaping the future of global development financing.

Focus on Financing for Development at UN Conference in Spain

The Finance Minister will begin her official visit in Seville, Spain, where she will represent India at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), convened by the United Nations. The conference, a pivotal platform for shaping the global financial architecture for development, will bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, development experts, and private sector leaders from across the world.

During the FFD4, Smt. Sitharaman will deliver India’s national statement, articulating the country’s vision on mobilizing financial resources to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She is expected to underscore India’s successful models of digital public infrastructure, inclusive growth, and climate finance mechanisms as scalable blueprints for the Global South.

In addition, the Minister will deliver a keynote address at the International Business Forum Leadership Summit on the theme, “From FFD4 Outcome to Implementation: Unlocking the Potential of Private Capital for Sustainable Development.” Her address will spotlight India's efforts in blending public policy with private investment to create impactful, long-term development outcomes.

On the sidelines of FFD4, Smt. Sitharaman is scheduled to meet with senior finance ministers from Germany, Peru, and New Zealand, and will hold talks with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). These meetings will explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation in green finance, digital economy, and global tax coordination.

Bilateral Talks and Investor Engagement in Portugal

Following her engagements in Spain, the Finance Minister will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, where she is slated to hold bilateral discussions with her Portuguese counterpart. The meeting is expected to delve into expanding cooperation in fintech, energy transition, and maritime economy—areas where India and Portugal have already demonstrated strong alignment.

Smt. Sitharaman will also interact with key institutional investors, business leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora in Portugal. These interactions aim to bolster economic ties, encourage foreign direct investment into India, and deepen people-to-people connections between the two nations.

High-Level Engagements at BRICS and NDB in Brazil

The final leg of the visit will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Smt. Sitharaman will participate in the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB) in her capacity as India’s Governor on the bank’s board. The NDB, established by the BRICS nations, is positioning itself as a premier lender for the Global South, and India remains one of its key shareholders.

She will also speak at the NDB Flagship Governors Seminar on the theme “Building a Premier Multilateral Development Bank for the Global South,” where she is expected to advocate for stronger south-south cooperation, greater voice for emerging economies in global financial institutions, and innovative financing solutions for climate resilience and infrastructure development.

In parallel, the Minister will attend the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting, where pressing issues such as de-dollarization, digital currencies, global macroeconomic coordination, and BRICS-led financial architecture reforms will be on the agenda.

Strategic Bilateral Talks with Key Global Counterparts

On the sidelines of the Rio engagements, Smt. Sitharaman will hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Russia. These discussions are expected to cover a wide array of topics—from trade facilitation and investment promotion to coordination in multilateral fora like the G20, IMF, and World Bank.

The Finance Minister’s engagements come at a time when India is increasingly seen as a pillar of stability and growth in a turbulent global economic landscape. With the IMF projecting India to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy, this visit reinforces the nation’s intent to play a leading role in global financial diplomacy.

India’s Expanding Global Economic Footprint

The week-long tour reflects India’s growing emphasis on multilateralism, green and digital transformation, private capital mobilization, and inclusive development. It also showcases India’s proactive approach to champion the concerns of developing economies and to co-create global frameworks that are equitable and future-ready.

As global challenges demand collaborative solutions, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman’s multi-nation engagement will be pivotal in advancing India’s economic narrative on the world stage—built on resilience, inclusivity, and reform-oriented leadership.