SITHARAMAN
India-US trade deal talks may have reached a ‘plateau’, further concessions difficult: Nirmala Sitharaman
During a recent briefing, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that talks regarding a trade pact with the US are currently stalled. While she sees some room for advancement, she pointed out the complexities involved in making further concessions. The dialogue also encompasses the trade deficit issues with both the US and China.
Sitharaman sees a ‘plateau’, but India-US trade deal may not be at a dead end yet: GTRI
As India and the US engage in talks for a bilateral trade deal, uncertainties loom over tariff treatments. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that the scope for concessions is limited, indicating a plateau. Ajay Srivastava from GTRI cautioned against making unilateral concessions, stressing that additional tariffs might complicate trade relations. An effectively designed interim agreement is crucial for ensuring substantial benefits for India.
Cabinet clears Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to boost small and medium enterprises
The SME Growth Fund aims to provide long-term growth capital and address financing gaps for these businesses. By targeting manufacturing and services sectors, the initiative will facilitate expansion and enhance competitiveness. Strategic investments in Tier II and Tier III cities will foster balanced regional development as well.
Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund for small and medium enterprises
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises. This fund is part of the government's initiative to create champion MSMEs in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined various measures to enhance liquidity support and accessibility to risk capital. Additionally, the government allocated Rs 24,566.27 crore to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
On the right path of easing ease of biz
To strengthen compliance and reduce conflicts, reforming the Goods and Services Tax (GST) administration is essential. The GST Council will introduce initiatives to rectify persistent tax structure issues. India's energy sector remains excluded from GST, affecting economic progress and inflation rates. It's also vital to recognize states' contribution to tax revenue to preserve fiscal independence. Additionally, a portion of GST revenue could support urban municipal bodies in fostering sustainable development.
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Rupee ends flat, anchored by RBI intervention in face of global strains
The Indian rupee ended little changed on Monday, bolstered by central bank interventions during ongoing pressures. A firmer dollar was observed, approaching a 17-month high due to a weak euro's impact. Crude oil prices increased to nearly $103 per barrel, posing risks to India's economy. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that trade talks with the United States reached a plateau.
India-US trade talks hit a plateau, with little room left to give or take, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
India and the US are currently negotiating a trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and addressing trade balance concerns. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that both sides appear to have reached a plateau in negotiations. She indicated that further concessions may be challenging following rigorous discussions. Despite this, she believes there could be opportunities for additional negotiations. The US is particularly focused on reducing its trade deficit with India.
Pvt investment, strategic resource security, global openness key for growth path ahead: FM Sitharaman
India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted strategic priorities to build resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. She emphasized the importance of optimizing supply chains and fostering private sector investment for strengthening innovation. The minister noted that India's R&D expenditure is significantly lower compared to OECD countries, necessitating increased private participation. Sitharaman discussed the shocks faced in recent years and the importance of managing economic stability.
Nirmala Sitharaman calls for open, rules-based global economic ties amid geopolitical tensions
At the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about fostering international trade policies that are not only open but also predictable. She underlined the critical need for nations to communicate effectively to dissolve geopolitical trade barriers. Highlighting the importance of resilience in the global economy, she introduced the National Critical Minerals Mission, stressing strategic autonomy to reduce single-source dependencies amid ongoing global economic turmoil.
India's resilience built over past decade, structural autonomy key to future: Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said India's economic resilience has been built consciously over the past decade through fiscal prudence, infrastructure creation, banking reforms, last-mile delivery and sustained reforms, while stressing the need for greater strategic autonomy and preparedness to deal with emerging global challenges.
Govt absorbing up to Rs 2,700 per urea bag as global costs rise to Rs 3,000: Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Centre absorbs a significant urea subsidy for farmers. This subsidy currently stands at approximately Rs 2,700 for each bag of urea. Sitharaman emphasised the government's commitment to providing essential farm inputs despite rising global prices. Additionally, her remarks highlighted ongoing efforts to support agricultural investment in Andhra Pradesh. These initiatives aim to ensure that farmers receive necessary resources and maintain economic stability.
Traders call off 'No UPI Day' protest plan after meet with FM Sitharaman
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman met small-trader representatives on Wednesday, following which the AICPDF and AIMRA withdrew their proposed ‘No UPI Day’ protest on October 2.
India and Qatar accelerate talks on Bilateral Investment Treaty and Free Trade Agreement amidst USD 10 billion investment
India and Qatar have agreed to accelerate discussions on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and Free Trade Agreement. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade reviewed investment opportunities in key sectors. Both nations aim to implement a USD 10 billion Qatari investment commitment and establish a QIA office in India. Sitharaman also emphasized the need for normal trade flows in the Gulf region.
FM Sitharaman meets AIIB President, suggests expansion of financing beyond physical infra
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi and suggested the bank expand its focus to include newer infrastructure that centres on AI, MSMEs, and skilling. She reiterated that the bank's regional centrality should continue to remain a defining institutional characteristic and an important anchor of its mandate. Both leaders discussed AIIB's robust pipeline of projects in India and its expanding global presence.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman pushes investment, economic ties with Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Jordan at AIIB meet
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in meetings in Doha to enhance economic ties with Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Jordan. Discussions included the India-Saudi Arabia Bilateral Investment Treaty and opportunities for Swiss investments in India's infrastructure sector. The focus also extended to food security and trade with Jordan, aiming to boost bilateral trade by 2030. Additionally, talks centered on post-flood reconstruction efforts with Nepal and potential Indian support.
India-Jordan trade: Sitharaman seeks deeper ties, $5 billion target by 2030
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Jordan's Minister of Planning Zeina Zeid Toukan in Doha. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including food security and trade. Sitharaman emphasized the goal of reaching $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Jordan expressed interest in strengthening ties with India, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
Nirmala Sitharaman in Qatar from September 27-29, to attend AIIB annual meet
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a pivotal visit to Qatar from September 27 to 29, 2026, where she will participate in the 11th Annual Meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors in Doha. This trip includes crucial bilateral discussions with finance ministers from various nations and interactions with Qatari business leaders and investors, further reinforcing India's prominent role as the second largest shareholder in the AIIB.
AI, semiconductors, quantum to drive India's next infrastructure push: FM Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need for investment in AI, semiconductor chips, and quantum technology. She stated that strengthening digital infrastructure will support AI adoption across various sectors. Additionally, Sitharaman underscored the importance of providing AI solutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises. She believes that achieving over 10 percent economic growth is possible with greater effort in all sectors.
India can achieve over 10% economic growth, says Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, radiated confidence in India's economic future, forecasting a growth rate surpassing 10 percent. She stressed the necessity of embracing technology and innovation in all sectors, celebrating the impact of startups since 2015. Furthermore, she emphasized technology's ability to revolutionize agriculture for increased productivity. The minister called upon citizens to nurture a constructive approach in pursuit of these vital economic objectives.
UPI MDR decision completely professional, no external pressure: FM Sitharaman
Talking to PTI, Sitharaman said the decision was completely professional, and it was taken jointly by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), payment banks and merchant banks, and not imposed by the government.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman rejects UPI MDR 'misconception,' says charge won't be passed to consumers
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that the Merchant Discount Rate on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 will not be passed to consumers. This rate is a charge borne by merchants and not the government. Sitharaman emphasized that this charge is not a tax, cess, or surcharge. The rate is set at 0.4% and will impact only certain UPI transactions.
BRICS tax model needs to reflect reality: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
India will lead both working groups. The meeting also approved terms of reference of the BRICS Tax Support Network. Addressing the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities meeting in New Delhi, Sitharaman said the proposed working groups would create a sustained platform for developing economies to address tax issues that have traditionally imposed higher administrative and capacity costs on them.
BRICS should work together on transfer pricing as disputes burden developing nations: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for BRICS nations to improve collaboration on international taxation. She proposed establishing working groups to address transfer pricing disputes, which affect developing countries disproportionately. This effort aims to shape future cross-border taxation rules through multilateral negotiations. Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava highlighted the importance of collective experience in these deliberations.
BRICS economies must shape global tax rules for next generation, says FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said BRICS countries need to ensure their views are reflected in the new global tax rules, as decisions taken in the next few years could shape cross-border taxation for a generation.
Look beyond premiumisation: FM Nirmala Sitharaman to India Inc
Sitharaman made a strong pitch for better-governed family businesses and greater corporate spending on research and development. She said the next 20 years would require Indian businesses to move beyond the creation of startups towards building enterprises that could scale, professionalise and endure.
Sitharaman urges India Inc to resolve differences before taking disputes to court
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged Indian corporates to strengthen internal governance, engage constructively with regulators and resolve disagreements before resorting to litigation. She also called for higher private-sector R&D spending, stronger management capabilities, resilient institutions and more inclusive business models to support India’s growth towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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