Nirmala Sitharaman Holds Economic Bilaterals at G20 Meeting

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conducted a series of bilateral meetings on September 2, 2026, during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Asheville, United States. The discussions focused on strengthening international economic partnerships, trade agreements, and financial surveillance frameworks.

In meetings with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Sitharaman praised $1.5 billion in Development Policy Financing and support for small businesses. The two leaders explored expanding the role of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency in India and the creation of a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Knowledge Hub.

Sitharaman also met with European Commission Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss the India-EU Economic and Financial Partnership and ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement. The officials emphasized cooperation on critical raw materials and fostering engagement between Indian and European start-ups through AI and FinTech.

Additionally, Sitharaman met with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who commended India's economic track record. Sitharaman advocated for evidence-based surveillance frameworks that better reflect structural shifts within emerging market developing economies, while both leaders committed to enhancing global economic resilience through IMF capacity development initiatives.