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Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to lead an Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on an important multi-nation visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil from June 30 to July 5, 2025. The visit marks a strategic step in India’s ongoing efforts to deepen international cooperation on economic development, sustainable finance, and multilateral partnerships.

Seville, Spain: Engagement at the UN’s Financing for Development Forum

The visit kicks off in Seville, Spain, where the Union Finance Minister will participate in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), organized by the United Nations. Smt. Sitharaman is scheduled to deliver a key statement on behalf of India, reflecting the country’s perspective on global financing challenges and sustainable economic growth.

In a significant engagement, she will also deliver a keynote address at the International Business Forum Leadership Summit titled “From FFD4 Outcome to Implementation: Unlocking the Potential of Private Capital for Sustainable Development.” This address is expected to highlight India’s efforts in mobilizing private investment for inclusive and climate-resilient growth.

On the sidelines of the FFD4 conference, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will engage in bilateral discussions with senior ministers from Germany, Peru, and New Zealand. She will also meet with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). These high-level meetings are aimed at enhancing India’s economic diplomacy and exploring fresh opportunities for investment and infrastructure partnerships.

Lisbon, Portugal: Bilateral and Diaspora Engagements

In Lisbon, the Union Finance Minister is expected to meet her Portuguese counterpart, the Minister of Finance, to discuss strengthening bilateral economic ties. The meeting will likely cover topics such as digital finance, fintech collaboration, and green transition financing.

Smt. Sitharaman will also engage with prominent investors and representatives from the Indian diaspora in Portugal, reaffirming the role of overseas Indians as vital economic and cultural bridges between the two nations.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Leadership in Multilateral Financial Institutions

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Smt. Sitharaman will represent India at two major multilateral events. She will address the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB) in her capacity as India’s Governor to the Bank. She will also participate in the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCBG), focusing on the evolving financial architecture among BRICS nations.

The Finance Minister will also deliver an important speech at the NDB Flagship Governors Seminar on “Building a Premier Multilateral Development Bank for the Global South.” Her address is expected to emphasize the NDB’s role in bridging infrastructure gaps and fostering sustainable development in emerging economies.

In addition, bilateral meetings are scheduled with the Finance Ministers of Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Russia, underlining India’s deepening engagements within the BRICS and Global South framework.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to these three strategically important countries underscores India’s rising role on the global economic stage and its commitment to strengthening multilateral financial cooperation, attracting private capital for sustainable development, and advancing the interests of the Global South.

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