Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is set to embark on an important official visit to the United Kingdom and Austria from April 8 to 13, 2025. This visit underscores India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global economic partnerships and deepen financial cooperation with key international allies. The Finance Minister’s itinerary includes a series of high-level engagements, bilateral meetings, and interactions with thought leaders, investors, and business executives in both countries.
A key highlight of the visit will be Smt. Sitharaman’s participation in the 13th Ministerial Round of the India–UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), scheduled to be held in London on April 9. The EFD is a long-standing and significant platform for candid conversations and collaboration between the two nations on a range of financial and economic matters. Co-chaired by Smt. Sitharaman and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the dialogue will focus on areas such as investments, financial services, regulatory cooperation, UPI interlinkages, taxation, and combating illicit financial flows.
This year’s dialogue places a strong emphasis on advancing cooperation in sectors like FinTech, digital economy, insurance, pensions, and mobilising sustainable climate finance. Notably, support for India’s International Financial Services Centre at GIFT City will be on the agenda, as both countries explore new avenues for inclusive and future-ready financial development.
On the sidelines of the EFD, the Finance Minister will take part in a number of key meetings with global investors and senior executives from financial institutions, reflecting India’s open and forward-looking approach to global investment partnerships. She will also deliver the keynote address at the India–UK Investor Roundtable, co-hosted with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds. The roundtable is expected to witness participation from top-tier leaders of UK pension funds, insurance companies, and financial service institutions, offering a valuable opportunity to present India’s vibrant investment landscape.
The Austria leg of the visit will see Smt. Sitharaman meeting with several senior Austrian leaders, including Finance Minister Mr. Markus Marterbauer and Federal Chancellor H.E. Mr. Christian Stocker. In a special session co-chaired with Austrian Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism Mr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, the Finance Minister will engage directly with Austrian CEOs to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration and investments in India.
This official visit reflects not only India’s growing stature in the global economic arena but also the government’s sincere commitment to building strong, cooperative relationships that open doors for inclusive growth, sustainable finance, and mutual prosperity.
