Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has embarked on an 11-day diplomatic visit to the United States and Peru, with a focus on economic collaborations, global finance, and strengthening bilateral ties. Her visit commenced with a six-day stay in the US, where she is set to attend the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, participate in the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings, and engage in a series of high-level discussions with finance leaders.
One of the highlights of her US visit is a keynote speech at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University on April 20, where she will address the theme of “Laying the Foundations of Viksit Bharat 2047.” Additionally, she will hold roundtable discussions with prominent CEOs of fund management firms and IT companies based in San Francisco. During this time, Sitharaman will also meet members of the Indian diaspora, further solidifying India’s connection with its global community.
Her stay in Washington, between April 22-25, will be marked by critical meetings on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings, where she is expected to hold bilateral talks with finance ministers and officials from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. She will also engage with key figures from global institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the IMF.
From April 26 to 30, Sitharaman will visit Peru for the first time as Finance Minister, where she aims to bolster India-Peru relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and the mining sector. Peru plays a vital role in the global supply chain for critical minerals and precious metals, which are essential for India’s resource security. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral collaboration, particularly in mining, energy, and infrastructure.
Sitharaman will also interact with Peruvian leaders, including President Dina Boluarte and Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén. She is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the Peruvian ministers of finance, defense, energy, and mines. In addition, Sitharaman will chair the India-Peru Business Forum meeting, aimed at furthering economic partnerships, and engage with Indian businesses and investors currently operating in Peru. Her visit underlines the importance of fostering economic ties between the two nations, given the growing strategic and trade relations.
Overall, Sitharaman’s trip signals India’s proactive efforts to strengthen its global economic position, with a particular focus on expanding its footprint in Latin America and enhancing its collaboration with the US, a key partner in the global financial system.
