Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended India’s treatment of minorities, comparing Muslim wellbeing in India with that in Pakistan. She challenged perceptions of victimisation within India and urged Western investors to visit and see the reality. She also called on the WTO to be more fair and progressive.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to negative Western perceptions of India’s economy during a discussion at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Sitharaman defended India by urging foreign investors to visit the country to see for themselves the growth, resilience and favourable conditions for investment, rather than being swayed by negative reports. She also contrasted India’s treatment of Muslim minorities with that of Pakistan, citing the latter’s decline in minority numbers and harsh treatment and punishment of minorities under blasphemy laws. In contrast, Sitharaman argued that Muslims in India were thriving, with opportunities to conduct business, educate their children and receive government fellowships. She challenged reports claiming violence against Muslims in India, and invited critics to come to India and prove their points. Sitharaman also called for greater progressivity and fairness from the World Trade Organisation.