India Can Be the Engine of Global Trade, Say IMF & World Bank: FM Sitharaman Highlights Economic Vision in US
San Francisco | April 21, 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her official US visit, stated that India has emerged as the fastest-growing economy, backed by the “visionary leadership” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consistency of a stable government.
“The IMF and World Bank see India as the engine of global trade because of the immense potential we carry,” Sitharaman told members of the Indian diaspora in San Francisco.
Highlighting India’s path to fiscal discipline, Sitharaman said, “We’re committed to bringing the fiscal deficit below 4.5% by 2026—and have stayed on track year after year since 2021.”
She also stressed the government’s focus on building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, prioritizing development across women, youth, farmers, and the poor, while investing heavily in ‘Sunrise Sectors’ and Digital Public Infrastructure.
“India stands out globally in digital innovation, public platforms, and inclusive growth,” she added.
The Finance Minister praised PM Modi’s outreach to the Indian diaspora, calling them “ambassadors of India” in their respective countries.
Sitharaman’s five-day US trip includes:
- Keynote speech at Stanford University
- CEO roundtables on tech and investment
- Participation in IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Minister sessions in Washington DC
- Bilateral talks with ministers from US, UK, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia
She will continue her diplomatic mission in Peru from April 26 to 30.
