India must act, not observe, amid global economic shifts: Sitharaman
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said India cannot afford to be a passive spectator as geopolitical conflicts, sanctions and tariffs continue to reshape global supply chains. She emphasised that India’s capacity to withstand such shocks remains robust.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Sitharaman underlined the uncertainty that defines the current global landscape and its impact on both international and Indian interests, reported India Today.
She noted that geopolitical tensions and economic realignments are reshaping how nations interact and trade.
Despite these disruptions, Sitharaman said India has demonstrated resilience.
“For India, these dynamics highlight both vulnerability and resilience. Our capacity to absorb shocks is strong, while our economic leverage is evolving,” she was quoted as saying by India Today.
She added that the decisions India makes now will determine its future role on the world stage.
“Our choices will determine whether resilience becomes a foundation for leadership or merely a buffer against uncertainty,” she said.
According to her, today’s fragmented global order could also open the door to new partnerships if approached with foresight.
“History teaches us that crises often precede renewal. The fragmentation we see today may give rise to more sustainable and unforeseen forms of cooperation,” Sitharaman observed, according to the report.
At the same time, she stressed the importance of inclusivity and fairness in any emerging economic arrangements.
“The challenge is to ensure that inclusive principles shape cooperation. For developing countries, this is a necessity, not just a romantic aspiration,” she stated.
The finance minister also urged emerging economies to take a stronger role in shaping outcomes that directly affect them.
“In a world where decisions elsewhere determine our destinies, we must be active participants, shaping outcomes where possible and preserving autonomy where necessary,” she asserted.
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