National Interest Over Chinese Investment: Nirmala Sitharaman Lists India's Priority

New Delhi: At the fourth edition of Republic's India Economic Summit 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , when asked by Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami on the issue of prioritizing Chinese investments over national interest, firmly stated that the Indian government has 'no compromise here.'

Arnab Goswami said, "How do you balance the economic potential of Chinese investment and investment from other countries with the imperative of making our national interest and economic sovereignty as well" "Your national interest being what you want to be sure but ultimately, where is it coming from makes no compromise here", replied FM Sitharaman.

"We are not making trouble to any investment that wants to genuinely come in India and be invested in India and create jobs in India.", she added further.

The Finance Minister also gave insights into Indian economic growth and spoke on wider topics at the summit. 

Finance Minister offered a rare and candid insight into the decision-making process within the  Narendra Modi  -led government, shedding light on the extensive consultations and deliberations that take place before any significant policy decision is made. 

Sitharaman highlighted that decisions within the government are not made in isolation or in a single sitting. 

Finance Minister  Nirmala Sitharaman  shared her thoughts on India's non-aligned foreign policy, the comeback of  Donald Trump  and the resilience India has shown under Prime Minister  Narendra Modi  ’s leadership.

Can India Remain Non-Aligned?

Responding to Editor-in Chief  Arnab Goswami  's question on whether India can continue its non-aligned stance, FM Sitharaman highlighted India's unique position globally. With leaders like Trump favoring protectionist policies and tariffs, she acknowledged that India’s non-aligned approach might evolve in expression, yet its foundation would remain the same.

“There is not one element of truth in this that the Centre is denying the states their funds”, said FM when asked about centre's distribution of funds to states.