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Sitharaman Meets UK PM's Advisor, Boosts FinTech & Trade Ties

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Varun Chandra, Special Advisor to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in New Delhi. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration, particularly in FinTech, the digital economy, and financial services. The talks also reviewed the implementation of the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Separately, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also met Chandra to discuss strengthening trade and investment ties.

Key Points: India-UK Talks on FinTech, Trade & CETA Implementation

  • Discussed FinTech & digital economy collaboration
  • Reviewed progress on India-UK trade agreement (CETA)
  • Explored strengthening financial markets & insurance ties
  • Aims to expand bilateral trade and investment
2 min read

Nirmala Sitharaman meets UK PM Special Advisor Varun Chandra; discusses FinTech, trade ties

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets UK PM's advisor Varun Chandra to enhance collaboration in FinTech, digital economy, and trade under the CETA.

"Building on the landmark India-UK CETA, they discussed avenues to enhance collaboration through FinTech, digital economy, financial markets, banking and insurance - Finance Ministry"

New Delhi, March 18

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday met Varun Chandra, the Special Advisor on Business and Investment to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, in New Delhi.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Finance stated that the meeting involved discussions to enhance the collaboration through FinTech, digital economy, financial markets, banking and insurance, etc.

"Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs @nsitharaman met Varun Chandra, Special Adviser on Business & Investment to the UK Prime Minister H.E. @Keir_Starmer, in New Delhi, today. Building on the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), they discussed avenues to enhance collaboration through FinTech, digital economy, financial markets, banking and insurance, and other shared priorities agreed in the India- UK Economic & Financial Dialogue," the Finance Ministry wrote.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, also took it to his X and said that the meeting focused on discussing progress and implementation of India-UK CETA and how to strengthen and expand trade and investment between the two countries.

"Held a productive meeting with Varun Chandra, Chief Business, Investment & Trade Adviser to the Prime Minister of the UK. Discussed progress on the implementation of the India-UK CETA and explored avenues to further strengthen trade & investment ties between the two countries," he wrote.

On Wednesday, Sitharaman moved the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Parliamentary Budget Session.

The Bill seeks to authorise the payment and appropriation of certain further sums from the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2025-26. The Finance Minister will seek the leave of the House to introduce the Bill and subsequently move that it be taken into consideration and passed, subject to the voting of the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see continued engagement. The UK is a key partner. I hope the CETA negotiations are finalized soon and benefit our MSME sector as promised. The focus on digital economy is the right way forward.
P
Priya S
While international meetings are important, I hope our ministers are equally focused on domestic financial stability. The common man is still struggling with inflation. These talks must have a clear trickle-down effect.
V
Vikram M
FinTech is the future! Collaborations like these can help Indian startups scale globally. UPI's success story should be a model. Let's hope for easier regulations and more cross-border payment solutions.
R
Rohit P
Productive meeting no doubt, but implementation is key. We've had many "landmark" dialogues before. The real test is whether Indian businesses, especially in tier-2 cities, will find it easier to trade with the UK.
K
Kavya N
As someone in the insurance sector, I'm keenly watching the banking and insurance part of the talks. Hope it leads to better products and more competition, which ultimately benefits the customer. Fingers crossed!

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