California: Bay Area welcomes India finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman at community reception

Fremont, California – In an inspiring and historic community reception held on April 20, 2025, at the Heartfulness Center in Fremont, California, Hon’ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, addressed a large gathering of Indian diaspora, elected officials, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students.

The event was hosted under the gracious initiative of Consul General Dr. Srikar Reddy Koppula, with participation from elected officials leaders representing various cities across the Bay Area and the delegation from India.

On this occasion, a special commendation from the City of San Ramon was presented to Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman by Advisory Member Srinivasa Manapragada, on behalf of Vice Mayor Sridhar Verose, acknowledging her outstanding service to India’s economic transformation and her global leadership in financial governance.

Highlights of the Minister’s Keynote Address

Smt. Sitharaman captivated the audience with her comprehensive and heartfelt address covering India’s transformative journey under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. She highlighted:

• India’s Entrepreneurship and Global Recognition: “India’s diaspora is not only holding the flag high but is actively bridging innovation and development globally. With transparency, entrepreneurship, and skilling, our community abroad showcases the best of India’s ethos.”

• Ease of Governance and Economic Reforms: “In the past decade, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed unprecedented reforms—transparency, minimum government with maximum governance, and digital infrastructure that empowers even the smallest entrepreneur to go global.”

 • Global Leadership in Clean Energy and Innovation: “India is on track to meet its climate commitments ahead of time using its own resources. Through Production Linked Incentives (PLI) across 14 sectors and sunrise industries like AI, semiconductors, and renewables, India is paving a new global path.”

  • Message to the Diaspora: “India seeks not favors but partnerships. The diaspora can invest, mentor, and collaborate with Indian enterprises to accelerate mutual growth—because your knowledge, your technology, your ideas, and your innovation can amplify our collective success.”

Q&A Segment – Community Engagement

A dynamic Q&A session followed the keynote, reflecting the diaspora’s deep interest in contributing to India’s development:

• On Women’s Empowerment: Responding to a question from Ms. Vijay Aasuri from BATA & AIA, the Minister emphasized, “Women, youth, farmers, and the poor—these four pillars are at the heart of our development strategy. From skilling to financial inclusion, empowering women is central to building a Viksit Bharat 2047.”

• On Fiscal Deficit Management: In response to Mr. Rajesh Verma from FOG, the Minister confidently shared that India remains fiscally disciplined: “We are well on track to bring our fiscal deficit below 4.5% by 2026 and have reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio from over 62% to 57.4%.”

• On India–U.S. Trade & Reciprocal Tariffs: To a question from Mr. Sunil Varghese, the Minister elaborated: “We are actively engaging with the U.S. administration and expect the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement to be signed by Fall 2025. It’s a relationship built on mutual economic benefit.”

• On India’s Future as a World Leader: Responding to a query, the Minister asserted, “India’s leadership in AI, space, renewable energy, and digital public infrastructure is being recognized globally. The world looks to India not just as a participant, but as a driver of future growth.”

Event Significance

This event reinforced the strong bond between India and its diaspora in the U.S. The Hon’ble Minister’s detailed insights reaffirmed India’s readiness to lead in global innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Srinivasa Manapragada, in presenting the City of San Ramon Commendation, stated:

“On behalf of Vice Mayor Sridhar Verose and the community, it is a privilege to honor Hon’ble Minister Sitharaman for her visionary economic stewardship and commitment to fostering global Indian partnerships.”

The evening concluded with a warm vote of thanks to Heartfulness Institute for graciously hosting the event and a renewed call for the community to be active partners in India’s growth story.