Sound and strong macro fundamentals help us speak up, take a stand, says FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals enable it to “stand tall” globally and soon become the world’s third-largest economy. Responding to critics calling India a “dead economy,” she highlighted the nation’s growth from the 10th to 5th position and its success in lifting 25 million people from poverty. Addressing students at the Delhi School of Economics, she urged deeper India-centric research, data-driven policymaking, and integration of AI and Big Data in governance. Sitharaman also defended bank privatization, emphasizing professionalism and inclusivity, and invited DSE scholars to contribute ideas for the upcoming Union Budget.