Readout from World Bank Group President David Malpass’s Meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, India

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2021 - Today, World Bank Group David Malpass met with Indian Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman. President Malpass and Minister Sitharaman discussed the importance of the partnership between the WBG and India, including recent programs in civil service and financial sector reform, water resource management, and health.

President Malpass and Minister Sitharaman discussed India's COVID-19 response, as well as the country's large domestic vaccine production capabilities. President Malpass noted the importance of India's COVID vaccine exports - both to the region and around the world. President Malpass summarized the WBG's Climate Change Action Plan, including the role of diagnostics in achieving the most benefits from climate finance. He reaffirmed the WBG's commitment to supporting India's COVID-19 response and its work toward poverty alleviation and shared prosperity.

The President and Minister also discussed IDA20, with President Malpass thanking Minister Sitharaman for India's strong support to IDA over the years.