Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to represent India at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to be held in Milan, Italy, from May 4 to 7, 2025. Accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, the Finance Minister will engage in a series of high-level meetings, bilateral dialogues, and international forums to further India’s economic and development agenda.
India’s Representation at ADB 2025: A Strategic Engagement
The Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors brings together finance ministers, central bankers, business leaders, and global economic thinkers to discuss regional cooperation, development finance, and resilient growth models. India, being one of ADB’s founding members and largest shareholders, plays a key role in shaping the institution’s policies and funding priorities.
Smt. Sitharaman’s participation reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure, and regional collaboration.
Key Events on the Finance Minister’s Agenda
During the four-day event in Milan, the Finance Minister will attend and participate in several important sessions, including:
- Governors’ Business Session
- Governor’s Plenary Session
- ADB Governors’ Seminar on “Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience”
These platforms will provide opportunities to discuss India’s approach to economic resilience, its climate commitments, and regional integration strategies in South and Southeast Asia.
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Bilateral Engagements with Global Finance Leaders
In addition to the official ADB meetings, Smt. Sitharaman will hold bilateral talks with her counterparts from major economies. These interactions are crucial for enhancing cooperation in areas such as development assistance, infrastructure finance, trade, and climate resilience.
Confirmed bilateral meetings include:
- Finance Minister of Italy
- Finance Minister of Japan
- Finance Minister of Bhutan
- President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
Such dialogues are expected to strengthen India’s position in multilateral financial institutions and explore new areas of bilateral cooperation.
Focus on Global Thought Leadership and Academia
A significant part of the Finance Minister’s visit will involve academic and thought leadership engagement. At the NEXT Milan Forum, organized by Bocconi University, Smt. Sitharaman will deliver a plenary address on:
“Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience”
This session will highlight India’s policy approach to harmonizing economic growth with environmental sustainability, especially in the post-pandemic global economy.
She is expected to outline India’s steps towards energy transition, green finance, digital public infrastructure, and efforts to meet its net-zero goals by 2070.
Indian Diaspora Outreach in Milan
Recognizing the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening economic and cultural ties abroad, Smt. Sitharaman will also interact with the Indian community in Milan. These interactions often provide valuable insights into the needs of overseas Indians and serve as a platform for promoting India’s economic success story.
India and ADB: A Strong Development Partnership
India remains one of ADB’s largest borrowers and an active contributor to the bank’s developmental agenda. Key ADB-funded projects in India include initiatives in:
- Urban infrastructure
- Transportation (metro and road networks)
- Renewable energy and green financing
- Skill development and technical education
Sitharaman’s presence at ADB 2025 underscores India’s continued engagement with multilateral finance, especially to promote regional prosperity through sustainable development models.
Conclusion
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Milan for the ADB Annual Meeting 2025 symbolizes India’s proactive approach in global economic diplomacy. With a mix of bilateral meetings, global forums, academic addresses, and diaspora outreach, her schedule highlights India’s efforts to shape resilient, climate-conscious, and inclusive economic policies on the international stage.
As the world looks toward recovery and long-term sustainability, India is positioning itself as both a regional leader and a global solution provider, advocating for collaboration in the face of shared global challenges.
Acknowledgment
Source: Press Information Bureau