Fin ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Scott Besenke Seek Expanded Partnership on Strategic Resources

In a high‑profile meeting on the sidelines of the G20 finance gathering, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besenke outlined a roadmap for deeper cooperation on strategic minerals. The two leaders highlighted that critical minerals have become a focal point of economic and geopolitical discussions among the world’s biggest economies.

Both parties acknowledged the mutual benefits of joint research, technology transfer and coordinated action to protect supply‑chain integrity. They also emphasized that regular high‑level exchanges are crucial as global economies confront financial challenges and seek ways to strengthen development cooperation.

The United States praised India’s active role in the G7‑plus framework and its willingness to engage in G7‑led mineral dialogues. India, in turn, sees the partnership as a pathway to secure diversified sources for the metals that power green‑energy transitions and cutting‑edge technologies.

A formal invitation was extended to Besenke for a year‑end visit to Delhi, where a comprehensive review of the financial partnership and potential new initiatives will be undertaken.