Overview

• Addressing the Kautilya Economic Conclave on Oct. 3, the finance minister said the international order is being rewritten by long‑term forces, not temporary shocks.
• She said India’s growth is anchored in consumption and investment, underpinned by capex and fiscal consolidation that reduce exposure to external volatility.
• India was described as a stabilising force with strong capacity to absorb shocks, with a warning that sustained performance is essential for strategic independence.
• She called for reform of multilateral institutions to reflect current realities and urged developing countries to actively shape new rules.
• Sitharaman reaffirmed a twin‑track strategy of self‑reliance and reaching developed‑nation status by 2047, targeting roughly 8% growth, noting a 7.8% Q1 FY26 print as trade frictions with the United States escalate.