Nirmala Sitharaman in U.S. Asheville city for G-20 finance ministerial meet

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, in the United States for the G-20 finance ministerial meeting, which will concentrate on global economic expansion amidst the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. She embarked on a six-day visit to the U.S. starting on August 29 and concluding on September 2, as part of a larger nine-day tour that had commenced in Canada.

Upon her arrival in Asheville, Sitharaman was welcomed by India's Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Prior to her visit, the minister had taken part in a roundtable discussion with influential investors and key stakeholders from the private sector in Chicago.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is presiding over the G-20 Finance Ministers and central bank governors conference in Asheville, a city situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, from Monday to Tuesday. Bessent emphasized the administration's focus on economic growth as the country aims to bolster its economic standing, stating, "Just as President Donald Trump is reviving American economic growth and making it the centerpiece of this Administration’s agenda, we are taking the same approach and prioritizing growth as the host of this year’s G20 Finance Track."

Bessent, accompanied by Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, expressed the U.S.'s eagerness to convene policymakers and private sector leaders from across the globe to underscore the significance of robust growth for the international community. On the sidelines of the G-20 meetings, Sitharaman met with William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, an American multinational corporation involved in various sectors such as industry, worker safety, consumer goods, and more.

Their discussion revolved around expanding 3M's collaboration with India as the nation transitions from being a substantial consumer market to an increasingly vital platform for advanced manufacturing, technology, and innovation. Sitharaman highlighted the potential for localization, research and development, and technological advancement in India, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Indian talent and manufacturing capabilities through regional innovation to satisfy both domestic and global markets, particularly within the Asia-Pacific supply chains.

She also commended 3M's unwavering confidence in India and proposed further investments in research and development, advanced manufacturing, and local supply-chain development.

Brown expressed appreciation for India's abundant pool of talent and acknowledged the numerous opportunities for technological advancement and local market growth. He also recognized the Government of India's support as part of the ongoing reforms.