FM Sitharaman Meets Counterparts At BRICS Summit For Economic Cooperation

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Jul 7 (KNN) During the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a series of important bilateral discussions with her counterparts from Russia, China, Indonesia, and Brazil.

These talks focused on strengthening strategic partnerships, economic collaboration, and joint global initiatives.

In her meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Sitharaman expressed gratitude for President Vladimir Putin's message of support after the Pahalgam terror attack.

She praised the long-standing India-Russia relationship, built on mutual trust and understanding under the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Both ministers discussed potential cooperation in the financial sector and the future direction of the New Development Bank (NDB).

Sitharaman also met with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an. The two leaders revisited the outcomes of their previous meeting in Samarkand during the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) summit.

They agreed on the importance of deeper cooperation between two of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Sitharaman stressed that enhanced India-China engagement can amplify the priorities of the Global South and contribute to inclusive global growth.

With Indonesia's Vice Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono, Sitharaman thanked the Indonesian government for its solidarity following the Pahalgam incident. She announced that India will host the next round of the India-Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue.

Their discussions also included the expansion of digital payment systems like UPI and RuPay, G20 cooperation, fintech innovations, and reforms in multilateral development banks.

In her meeting with Brazil's Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, Sitharaman discussed climate finance, preparations for COP30, and collaborative efforts in global platforms such as the UN, G20, BRICS, WTO, and IBSA.

She appreciated Brazil's leadership during its 2025 BRICS Chairship and confirmed India's support ahead of its own chairship in 2026.

These bilateral talks reaffirmed India's commitment to global cooperation, South-South solidarity, and financial integration across emerging economies.

(KNN Bureau)

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