FM Nirmala Sitharaman Praises U.S. G20 Presidency, Calls For IMF & World Bank Reforms

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed India’s G20 presidency and the current direction of the G20. Speaking with the Atlantic Council on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. Sitharaman appreciates the United States’ focus on the G20 finance track, saying it brings the forum back to its core purpose of addressing global financial challenges. Reflecting on India’s 2023 presidency, she highlights the need for multilateral development institutions such as the IMF and World Bank to become more responsive to 21st-century challenges, including cross-border digital payments, emerging currencies and countries facing balance-of-payments crises. She argues that countries seeking urgent financial assistance need faster and more effective responses.