Image Credit: X account @FinMinIndia
India Leverages EIB Ties and Global Diplomacy at Spain Summit
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led India’s delegation at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, emphasizing the nation’s growing role in global finance and digital transformation.
Digitalisation Strength
During her meeting with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Sitharaman proposed collaboration to export India’s digitalisation expertise to other emerging economies. The plan includes jointly financing metro-rail, urban water and sanitation infrastructure, and smart-city digital solutions through EIB’s expanding portfolio in India.
Global Finance
Sitharaman also addressed the International Business Forum Leadership Summit, outlining India’s agenda for transitioning FFD4 outcomes into actionable investment in sustainable development with private capital. She highlighted the role of GIFT-IFSC as a rising hub for fintech, bullion trade, capital markets, and insurance innovation.
Strengthening Ties
On the sidelines, Sitharaman conducted bilateral talks with counterparts from New Zealand, Peru, and Germany. With New Zealand’s science and education minister, discussions centered around expanding defence, technology, educational exchanges, and collaboration in Pacific regional engagement. With Peru, she pitched India’s capacity in building rail infrastructure and rolling stock, encouraging Indian participation in upcoming Peruvian rail tenders. Talks with Germany focused on green and sustainable development cooperation, including renewable energy, urban mobility, and ecological livelihoods.
India-New Zealand EdTech Link
The FM reinforced the existing India‑New Zealand partnership, particularly in higher education and technology exchange. She praised New Zealand’s Pacific engagement model as a template for future collaboration, reaffirming deeper academic and technological cooperation.
