Global economic uncertainty demands strategic resilience, says Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has underscored the need for India to build economic resilience in the face of mounting global uncertainties, describing unpredictability as an entrenched condition of the international economic landscape.

Addressing concerns about external headwinds, Sitharaman highlighted India's proactive approach through a series of strategic economic programmes designed to insulate the country from external shocks and position it as a self-reliant economy. The minister pointed to the government's critical minerals mission as a cornerstone initiative, aimed at securing supply chains for essential raw materials critical to modern manufacturing and green energy transitions.

The finance minister also cited the development of rare earth corridors, a semiconductor manufacturing programme, and initiatives in small modular reactor technology as key pillars of India's economic strategy. These initiatives reflect New Delhi's focus on reducing import dependence while building indigenous capabilities in sectors deemed vital for long-term economic security and technological advancement.

Sitharaman's remarks come at a time when India's economy continues to navigate challenges posed by global trade tensions, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainties. The government's emphasis on strategic economic diversification and domestic manufacturing capacity development signals its determination to sustain growth momentum despite external pressures affecting emerging markets across the region.