Sitharaman and UK Chancellor Forge Economic Ties in Bangkok

India and UK leaders explore deeper financial cooperation and strategic economic initiatives.

A man in a suit shakes hands with a woman in a sari.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Chancellor John Healey met in Bangkok to discuss bilateral economic cooperation.
Key Points

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met UK Chancellor John Healey in Bangkok to discuss bilateral financial cooperation and strategic economic initiatives, building on previous dialogues.

  • Sitharaman and Healey discussed bilateral financial cooperation and strategic economic initiatives.
  • The meeting focused on the India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue and Partnership.
  • India expressed interest in collaboration on critical minerals and green technology.
  • The next India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue is scheduled for December 2026.
  • Sitharaman reaffirmed India's commitment to a constructive G20 process.

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey in Bangkok on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group.

The two leaders discussed bilateral financial cooperation and strategic economic initiatives, including the successful conclusion of the fourth India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue, fintech meetings and associated India-UK Financial Partnership engagements.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the discussions built on the outcomes of the previous Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) between the two countries.

During the meeting, Sitharaman conveyed India’s interest in the upcoming 14th Economic and Financial Dialogue, with proposed areas of collaboration including critical minerals, green technology and city-region partnerships.

Both sides confirmed that the next EFD would be held in December 2026.

The Finance Minister also reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with the United Kingdom on shared priorities and ensuring a constructive and inclusive G20 process.

Sitharaman is on an official visit to Bangkok from October 14 to 18 to participate in the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group. Her engagements also include meetings of the G20 and G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.

The discussions are part of ongoing India-UK engagement to strengthen financial cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration in emerging economic and technological sectors.

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 | 1:20 PM IST

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