Statement by Anuradha Thakur at the 113th Meeting of the Development Committee on April 16, 2026

Overview & Synopsis

This statement, delivered by Anuradha Thakur, Secretary (Economic Affairs), Ministry of Finance, India, on behalf of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka to the 113th Meeting of the Development Committee on April 16, 2026, addresses the evolving global development outlook amid heightened geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility, and increasing risks to growth, inflation, and financial stability, particularly for emerging markets and developing economies. It highlights the impact of recent escalations in West Asia on global growth and inflation trajectories while supporting the World Bank Group’s (WBG) emphasis on job creation and the enabling environment as central to sustainable development. The statement underscores the importance of continued MDB reforms, a stronger One‑WBG approach, affordable financing for middle‑income countries, and enhanced Global South representation in governance and knowledge creation. It outlines India’s strong macroeconomic performance, fiscal consolidation, inflation control, external sector resilience, and wide‑ranging structural reforms focused on deregulation, investment, digital transformation, energy transition, and data‑driven policymaking. The statement also highlights India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and climate action, while reaffirming the role of multilaterals in fostering inclusive, resilient global value chains. It further presents country perspectives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, emphasizing macroeconomic stabilization, structural reforms, disaster resilience, and recovery efforts. Overall, the statement calls for deeper multilateral cooperation, finance‑plus‑knowledge engagement, and tailored development support to sustain growth, stability, and inclusive development across the constituency.