FM Sitharaman lands in U.S. for six-day visit for G-20 talks and meeting with business leaders

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived in the United States for a six-day visit aimed at advancing India’s economic ties with the country. She touched down at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Thursday, August 28, 2026, marking the continuation of a nine-day joint visit to Canada and the U.S. The itinerary includes participation in the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings and high-level interactions with American business leaders. Sitharaman’s journey began with a three-day visit to Canada, where she participated in the inaugural India-Canada Economic and Financial Dialogue in Toronto. During this time, she engaged with investors and industry experts from sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. These discussions were centered on enhancing economic and financial collaboration and exploring new avenues for investment and trade between the two nations. Upon arrival in the U.S., she was greeted by the Indian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Namgya C Khampa, and the Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh. Her schedule in Chicago includes a roundtable conference with prominent investors and a series of meetings with CEOs, presidents, and senior representatives from the private sector. The conversations will focus on India’s investment potential, its economic outlook, and strategies to deepen business and investment relationships between the two countries. A highlight of her visit will be a stop at the Polsky Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago. There, she will exchange ideas on entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and the commercialization of new technologies. This interaction aims to foster stronger connections between India’s growing startup ecosystem and the academic and entrepreneurial environment in the U.S. Later in her stay, Sitharaman will meet with members of the Indian diaspora in Chicago, further reinforcing cultural and professional bonds. The visit also includes plans to attend the G20 FMCBG meetings in Asheville, North Carolina, which are being hosted by the United States. Scheduled for August 31 and September 1, these meetings will bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, and economic officials from all G20 member states to address pressing global economic and financial matters. This gathering follows the G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting, which took place earlier in the week. India’s involvement in the G20 Finance Track offers a crucial platform to shape discussions on global economic growth, financial stability, and international cooperation. It also allows India to promote its views on current economic challenges and enhance collaboration with fellow G20 members. In New York, Sitharaman will host an Investor Roundtable with top executives from major New York-based firms. The one-on-one sessions will explore investment prospects, India’s economic framework, and ways to improve financial and institutional ties between the two countries. Additionally, she will take part in a bell-ringing ceremony at NASDAQ, providing insight into the dynamics of technology-driven financial markets and the intersection of technology and capital markets. Her visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering mutual economic interests. As she continues her engagements in the U.S., the focus remains on building sustainable partnerships, promoting innovation, and ensuring long-term economic benefits for both nations. The visit is set to conclude on September 2, completing a comprehensive diplomatic and economic mission.