Nirmala Sitharaman to Visit US and Canada from 25 August to 2 September

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman is set to undertake an official visit to Canada and the United States from 25 August to 2 September, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance. This trip is aimed at enhancing bilateral economic and financial partnerships, deepening investment linkages, and advancing cooperation on shared global economic priorities.

During her time in Canada, Sitharaman will participate in the inaugural Economic and Financial Dialogue alongside Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne. This forum is expected to cover discussions on macroeconomic trends, financial sector collaborations, and mutual investment prospects.

The Ministry of Finance noted that these dialogues are designed to foster exchanges on macroeconomic developments and stress ongoing efforts towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Specific sectors highlighted for potential collaboration include energy, critical minerals, technology, and resilient supply chains.

In Toronto, the Finance Minister will host an Investment Roundtable with executives from sectors such as energy and artificial intelligence. She will also participate in a Business Roundtable with leaders from Indian Public Sector Banks to explore financial opportunities, particularly emphasizing GIFT City-IFSC.

Additionally, Sitharaman will engage in a fireside conversation organized by the Canadian Club of Toronto and the Canada-India Business Council, along with conducting one-on-one corporate meetings and interacting with the Indian diaspora.

The United States segment of her trip will involve destinations such as Chicago, Asheville, and New York, running from 28 August to 2 September. In Chicago, she is scheduled to hold an investor roundtable, meet with corporate leaders, and visit the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago.

From 31 August to 1 September, she will lead an Indian delegation at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting in Asheville. According to the Ministry, India’s participation in the G20 Finance Track offers a significant platform for contributing to global economic dialogues and international financial cooperation.

The visit will conclude in New York, where Sitharaman will hold investor meetings, including a bell-ringing ceremony at NASDAQ to discuss developments in financial market platforms. This initiative reflects India's ongoing commitment to strengthening its global economic outreach, as the country aims to enhance economic ties and advance bilateral trade agreements with numerous nations.