Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India is opposed to the weaponisation of the global economy and urged Canadian investors and business leaders to deepen their engagement with the country. Speaking in Toronto, she said countries such as India would play a major role in driving global growth because of their expanding economies, sustained consumption and large domestic demand.
Sitharaman made the remarks while addressing members of the Indian diaspora and the business community in Toronto. Her comments came as Canada looks to strengthen economic relationships with reliable partners amid continuing uncertainty in global trade. She emphasised India's position as a large and growing market with significant opportunities for international investors.
Responding to a question about what Canadian investors and businesses could expect from India during a period of global uncertainty, Sitharaman said the Indian government wanted investors to come and engage with the country. She also indicated that the government would need to respond to the expectations of businesses seeking opportunities in the Indian market.
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The finance minister argued that India's economic position makes it an important contributor to future global growth. She said India does not pose a concentration risk and stressed the country's opposition to using economic relationships as instruments of pressure. The remarks come at a time when businesses worldwide are assessing supply chains, markets and investment destinations amid shifting trade policies.
Sitharaman also highlighted India's rapidly growing economy, sustained consumer activity and substantial demand as factors that should attract global investors. For Canadian businesses, greater engagement with India could provide access to one of the world's large consumer markets while creating opportunities for investment and commercial partnerships.
Her remarks underline India's broader effort to position itself as an attractive destination for international capital amid global economic uncertainty. By inviting Canadian investors to engage with India and promising a response to their expectations, Sitharaman sought to reinforce the government's message that the country remains open to business and long-term investment partnerships.
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