Nirmala Sitharaman participates in 2nd G20 meeting of Finance Ministers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday participated in the 2nd Extraordinary G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting under the Saudi Arabian Presidency, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and coordinate efforts in response to this global challenge.

Ms Sitharaman appreciated the Saudi Presidency for organizing these meetings which provide opportunity to all G20 members to not only share their individual experiences but also to work in better coordination.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors during the 1st Extraordinary Virtual G20 FMCBG Meeting held on March 23 had decided to meet virtually on a regular basis to continue discussions on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on markets and economic conditions and take further actions to support the economy during and after this phase.

This meeting was held to follow up on discussion of the 1st virtual meeting as well as to discuss the follow-up in line with the statement made by G20 Leaders



during the G20 Virtual Leaders Summit held on March 26. During the summit, the Leaders had tasked G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to deliver a G20 Action Plan in Response to COVID-19, in close cooperation with relevant international organizations.

The Finance Minister supported the proposed G20 Action Plan and emphasized that such an exercise would provide an opportunity for immense cross learning and critical insights. Referring to the G20 Leaders statement, regarding regulatory and supervisory measures, she emphasized the importance of ensuring that the financial system continues to support and quickly revive the economy. 

Finance Minister made specific interventions on reviewing and enhancing the IMF toolkit and further expanding the swap line network. She suggested that IMF can develop innovative and ingenious methods to meet COVID-19 related financing requirements given that policy space is severely constrained in most countries in these unprecedented circumstances.