Speeches & Media Interactions

It is a pleasure to be here at the Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 of the Financial Action Task Force. I am happy to note that this is the first time that the forum is being held in India. I thank FATF for giving us this opportunity. In my previous role as the Secretary in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, I had the opportunity of being closely associated with the FATF during our mutual evaluation last year.

I am delighted to participate in this year’s Annual Conference of the RBI Ombudsmen. The Reserve Bank has been organising this conference on or around the World Consumer Rights Day, that is, 15th March. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year with the aim of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. We organise this conference to reflect on our achievements with regard to consumer services and to deliberate on how to improve services and reduce grievances. We need to improve consumer services, not only because it is our duty to do so, but because it is in our selfish interest to do so. In this age of competition, we would not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers.

I am delighted to be present here and be part of this important event on climate change which continues to draw attention in the national and international discourse. I would not dwell in detail about the perils of climate change since this audience is already well aware about its impact not only on the real economy, but also the financial system, as well as our day-to-day lives. Climate related changes are perceptible, clear, and visible. They are intensifying and threatening ecosystems, livelihoods, and economies. It is our individual and collective responsibility, to work together effectively and contribute to the global efforts to mitigate the risks associated with climate change and ensure that the Indian financial system remains resilient.

Digital Payments – Background and benefits 1. Payments are the lifeblood of commerce, enabling the flow of goods and services in an economy. They connect people, empower individuals and businesses, and drive economic growth. Quick, secure and reliable payments at affordable prices are the bedrock for a vibrant economy. Payments through digital modes support economic growth. They also deepen financial inclusion by overcoming barriers like high transaction costs and geographical limitations . In effect, digital payments are not just convenient but are also a powerful tool for economic empowerment and growth.

Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here today at ‘NaBFID’s Infrastructure Conclave’ which provides an excellent opportunity to interact with the participants who play a critical role in India's infrastructural journey. 2. Infrastructure can be thought of as the framework of facilities and systems that enables an economy to function efficiently that can then make possible optimal outcomes for the society at large. It is, therefore, a critical catalyst in fuelling a country’s economic expansion and holistic development. It lays the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society by enhancing productivity, attracting investment, expanding markets, and improving quality of life. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and as it embarks on an ambitious journey towards emerging as a global economic powerhouse, the role of solid and reliable infrastructure is becoming paramount. Recognizing this, India has made and committed substantial infrastructural investment during recent years via policy measures such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Bharatmala Pariyojana and Sagarmala Pariyojana. An allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure in the union budget this year, which is 3.4 per cent of GDP, seeks to reinforce this commitment.

I am very happy to be here at this Conference on Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 organised by the Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL). I wish to congratulate CAFRAL for taking this initiative and thank them for inviting me to this event.

Good Morning to you all! I am delighted to be here again at the prestigious Annual Central Banking Seminar, a flagship event of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for which it has earned global renown. It is truly an honour to interact with central bankers from around the world, our community of tomorrow. You embody the theme of India’s G20 Presidency – Vasudhaivya Kutumbakam: the world is one family. 

The Climate is Striking Back

In my past interactions in this Seminar, I have dwelled on macroeconomic stability; price stability; exchange rate stability; financial stability – all essentially issues centered around the core competence of conservative central bankers from which we are reluctant to stray. After all, central banks stand for stability.

Shri V G Sekar, Principal, College of Agricultural Banking, Heads of Priority Sector verticals of banks, Members of faculty from CAB, Ladies and Gentlemen. Good morning. 1. I thank CAB for inviting me today to discuss a critical topic that lies at the crossroads of financial institutions' responsibilities and our collective vision for a better, more sustainable world. I propose to briefly discuss the aspect of sustainable finance to begin with before coming to the theme of the conclave, that is Priority Sector Lending, as I believe that there is a strong interplay between these two.

Prof. Errol D’Souza, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad or IIMA; Prof. Umakant Dash, Director, Institute of Rural Management, Anand or IRMA; Dr. Supriya Sharma, Partner-Insights, Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship or CIIE; representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF); faculty, students and staff of IIMA; and friends, I commend all of you on this laudable initiative of Financial Inclusion for Rural Transformation

I. Introduction: Indian Financial System- Looking back and looking ahead in the 75th year of Indian Independence Distinguished members of banking fraternity, ladies, and gentlemen It is a privilege to deliver the twelfth memorial lecture honouring the great legacy of late Shri R.K. Talwar. I feel thankful and humbled for this opportunity as an occasion to remember personality like Shri R.K. Talwar given his contribution to the banking industry. India recently celebrat