Archive · 6 Dec 2025
Sitharaman Targets Customs Reform as Next Major Push
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025.
She said that cleaning up customs is her next big task.
She also talked about how some states are giving away too many free things and borrowing money to do so.
The government is trying to help these states manage their debt.
She mentioned that India has faced many challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, wars affecting food supplies, and spending during election years.
She also talked about restoring the economy in Jammu and Kashmir after recent attacks.
Many important people, including the Prime Minister and other leaders, spoke at the event.
She also discussed the rupee's value and said it will find its own level based on economic fundamentals.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that customs reform is the next major government push, aiming to simplify processes and increase transparency.
She expressed concern about states borrowing heavily to fund freebies and is discussing debt restructuring with them.
Sitharaman listed several challenges India has overcome, including post-COVID growth, the impact of wars on food supplies, and the need to strengthen governance.
She mentioned the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's economy after recent attacks and the importance of stable leadership and consistent policies.
The rupee's movement must be viewed in the context of India's broader growth story, and it will find its natural level based on economic fundamentals.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- What
- Announced customs reform as the next major push and discussed economic challenges and growth
- When
- December 6, 2025
- Where
- Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025
- Why
- To address economic challenges, streamline customs processes, and boost economic growth
- Event
- Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025
- Speaker
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Date
- December 6, 2025
- Location
- Hindustan Times Leadership Summit
- Key Topics
- Customs reform, Economic growth, Rupee exchange rate, State borrowing, Freebies
- Growth Forecast
- 7% or more in FY26
- Rupee Exchange Rate
- 89.96 against the dollar
Sources
FM interview: Customs is my next big cleanup assignment, says Nirmala Sitharaman at HTLS — Key takeaways
'Rupee will find its own level': Nirmala Sitharaman addresses concerns over INR's value against USD
Customs duty simplification to be next major reform push, says Sitharaman
‘Compensate Karnataka for GST rationalisation losses, share pan masala cess’: CM Siddaramaiah to PM Modi
We don’t target any band for rupee: Guv
FM interview: Rupee will find its way, says Nirmala Sitharaman at HTLS 2025
RBI’s rate cut boosts rally in mkts
RBI ups FY26 GDP growth outlook to 7.3%
Sitharaman praises Omar for 'focused' approach to restore J-K's economy
Simplification of customs would be next big reform agenda for government: Nirmala Sitharaman
Indian economy to grow 7% or more in FY26; customs next big reform area: Sitharaman
Stable crude, GST cuts expected to keep FY27 inflation in check
India’s strong fundamentals to support 7% growth despite global risks, finance minister says
