Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government's commitment to accelerated reforms, protecting exporters, and expanding economic growth into new areas, despite the challenges posed by US tariffs. In an interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Sitharaman stated that India will continue buying Russian oil if it serves the economy's interests, dismissing US President Donald Trump aide Peter Navarro's remarks as a "divide and rule" tactic. The government is preparing a relief package to support industries hit hardest by the 50% US tariffs, the government is working on measures to cushion the impact, including interest subvention schemes and export credit support.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi

“I don’t want divulge in to how they are diverting, but I think the RBI has taken very considered decision and they have also done by purchasing gold,” FM Sitharaman added.

Yields across short- and long-tenure bonds rose in August, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, where he announced the Centre’s plan to rationalize the GST framework

"Not in the immediate future," Sitharaman said when asked about the timeline of their inclusion in the ambit of GST.

Currently, an FPI or an investor group can hold only up to 10% equity in a listed company. More than 10% is allowed through FDI

Sin goods under GST include tobacco, pan masala, gutkha, cigarettes, luxury cars, online gambling or gaming, caffeinated beverages, coal, lignite, peat, and aerated drinks.

During an interview with Network 18 Group Editor-In-Chief Rahul Joshi, the finance minister hinted that more such stake sales can happen in the future.

Sitharaman added that the package will help those industries that are hit by the 50 percent tariffs imposed by the US from August 27

"They (DEA and CEA) have been persistent with them, talking to them…their conversations have shown us the result," Sitharaman said, adding that the officials should continue engaging with other agencies also.

'I think in one or two cases we have relaxed norms for investments from China, and projects have opened for them. India is open for investments,' Sitharaman added

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that it is one thing to have a a scheme approved and have it budgeted for and another to scramble for funds and then blame the Centre for it.

Rupee is volatile only against the dollar, and many countries are experiencing this, says Sitharaman

In an interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Sitharaman said, the new law was the need of the hour

She said "friends of imperialists are telling us the word Boston Brahmins is not bad," in an exclusive interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi.

"In the case of insurance sector, the public sector insurance companies have come forward to openly say that they will indeed pass the rate-cuts to citizens. I’m sure the private sector will do the same with insurance, and so with other things," said the FM.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated that the contribution of crude oil to India's import bill is the highest and so India's decision to buy oil will always be based on what suits its needs best.

The biggest beneficiaries of the GST reduction will be the rooftop solar segment, giving a boost to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

In an interaction with CNBC-TV18, Sitharaman said the focus of GST 2.0 was to review commodities consumed by farmers and the middle class

Finance Minister spoke about GST reforms and the Opposition comments in an exclusive interview with Network 18.