In a move poised to deepen India’s global economic engagement, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began a weeklong official visit to the United Kingdom and Austria on Monday, April 8, 2025. The highlight of her trip will be her participation in the 13th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD)—a pivotal bilateral platform aimed at strengthening economic ties and financial collaboration between the two nations.
Scheduled for April 9 in London, the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue will see Nirmala Sitharaman co-chairing the session alongside the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer. This strategic dialogue brings together ministers, senior officials, working groups, and regulators from both sides, offering a comprehensive space for discussions on critical financial matters such as investment, financial services, UPI interlinkages, taxation, and efforts to curb illicit financial flows.
Nirmala Sitharaman: Advancing Financial and Climate Cooperation
This year’s EFD holds added significance as it zeroes in on key focus areas for India including collaborations in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, investment in insurance and pension sectors, strengthening the FinTech and digital economy ecosystems, and mobilizing sustainable and affordable climate finance.
Nirmala Sitharaman’s engagements in London will extend beyond the official dialogue. She is slated to deliver the keynote address at the prestigious India-UK Investor Roundtable. The event will gather influential CEOs and financial leaders from across the UK’s banking, insurance, pension fund, and financial services sectors. These interactions are expected to showcase India’s reform-driven economy and highlight emerging opportunities across various industries.
Forging Deeper Investment Ties in Austria
Following her engagements in the UK, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will travel to Austria, marking a significant diplomatic outreach to the Central European nation. In Vienna, Sitharaman will meet senior Austrian officials including Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker.
A major part of her Austrian itinerary includes co-chairing a high-level business session with Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austria’s Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism. The meeting will bring together Austrian CEOs and key industry stakeholders. Sitharaman is expected to present a compelling case for deeper investment ties, emphasizing India’s burgeoning sectors such as green energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
Strengthening Strategic Global Partnerships
This official tour underscores India’s intent to expand its financial footprint on the global stage, promote economic diplomacy, and attract long-term investment. The 13th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue and the investor roundtables in both London and Vienna reflect India’s commitment to nurturing robust, forward-looking partnerships with leading economies.
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