Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke in New Delhi on Monday, with India’s economic
outlook, global trade developments and the country’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund featuring prominently in the meeting. Clarke is currently visiting India. The meeting comes against the backdrop of an evolving global economic environment, with changes in trade policies and bilateral agreements reshaping the outlook for economies worldwide. Sitharaman and Clarke reviewed the relationship between India and the IMF, including India’s contribution to the South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC).
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met Mr. @NigelClarkeJa, Deputy Managing Director, IMF, in New Delhi today. Mr. Clarke is on a visit to India.
FM Smt. @nsitharaman and Mr. @NigelClarkeJa discussed India-IMF relations, with appreciation for India’s… pic.twitter.com/nMB8biASSc— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) September 7, 2026
The two sides underlined the need to maintain close engagement between India and the multilateral institution. Discussions focused on how stronger cooperation can help promote sound macroeconomic policies while improving economic resilience at both the regional and global levels.
India’s role in supporting SARTTAC was also acknowledged during the discussions, highlighting the country’s participation in capacity-building initiatives linked to the IMF.
The meeting also covered the economic outlook for India as well as broader global developments.
Sitharaman and Clarke discussed India’s changing growth trajectory and how shifts in the international economic landscape could affect the country. The conversations also touched on India’s trade priorities and developments in the global trading framework.
Recent bilateral trade agreements were part of the discussions, as India continues to deepen its trade relationships with key economic partners. The changing global trading system remains an important consideration for policymakers as countries navigate evolving trade arrangements and economic uncertainties.
IMF Applauds India’s Economic Resilience
Clarke recognised India’s performance in a challenging global environment, including the resilience demonstrated by the economy and its growth record. His assessment comes as India continues to navigate external economic pressures while pursuing policies aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability.
The IMF official also acknowledged the efforts undertaken by the Government of India towards fiscal consolidation, alongside measures introduced following the West Asian crisis.
The discussions also stressed the importance of policy coordination and continued cooperation between India and the IMF.
For India, maintaining macroeconomic stability while sustaining economic expansion remains a key policy priority. At the same time, developments in global trade, changing economic conditions and geopolitical disruptions continue to influence the operating environment for major economies.
The meeting between Sitharaman and Clarke therefore comes at a time when international economic cooperation remains important, particularly as countries respond to changes in trade patterns and broader global economic conditions.
