India a ‘stabilising force’ in global economy, can withstand external shocks: Nirmala

 

 

 

FINANCE Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the world is facing “profound imbalances” in trade and energy security, and is undergoing a structural transformation, with India standing out as a ‘stabilising force’ that can withstand external shocks. Sitharaman said geopolitical conflicts are intensifying, and sanctions and tariffs are reshaping global supply chains. India must continue to remain vigilant, and there is no room for complacency, she said, speaking at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025 here. “Wars and strategic rivalries are redrawing the boundaries of cooperation and conflict. Alliances that once appeared solid are being tested, and new coalitions are emerging. For India, these dynamics highlight both vulnerability and resilience.

 

Our capacity to absorb shocks is strong, while our economic leverage is evolving,” she said. She said the world is facing an era of unprecedented global uncertainty and volatility, and task before nations is to confront trade, financial and energy imbalances. “The task before us, therefore, is not simply to manage uncertainty but to confront imbalance. We must ask ourselves: how can we build a global order where trade is fair, finance serves productive ends, energy is both affordable and sustainable, and climate action aligns with development imperatives?” the minister said, addressing a session on ‘Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times’.

 

She said there is a need to work on ways for international institutions to reflect today’s realities rather than yesterday’s hierarchies, besides ensuring that the voices of developing nations are no longer marginalised in rule-making, and are instead amplified in shaping the future. India anchor of stability in volatile world: RBI Guv Malhotra: INDIA’S macro-economic fundamentals have continued to remain very strong, and the country has become an anchor of stability in a volatile world, Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday. Speaking at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025 here, the Governor attributed the country’s strong fundamentals to low inflation, good foreign exchange reserves, a narrow current account deficit, and the very strong balance sheets of our banks and corporates. “It is the combined efforts of the Government’s policy makers, regulators, and regulated entities. All in all, despite recent odds, the economy seems well settled into an equilibrium of resilient growth. This is quite a feat...Makes India stand out as an anchor of stability in a volatile world,” Malhotra said.