'India cannot afford fear mongering': FM Nirmala Sitharaman hits out at critics for peddling pessimism amid West Asia crisis

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday emphasised on 3Fs — fuel, fertiliser and forex — underlining that the domestic economy continues to be resilient amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Sitharaman was speaking at an event to celebrate the 37th anniversary of SIDBI in Mumbai when she hit out at naysayers for creating a cynical and pessimistic narrative after PM Narendra Modi's appeals on altruism. She pointed out that India cannot afford fearmongering and that giving the confidence to people is necessary.

Stating that India's policy response has been calibrated to preserve domestic growth, FM said the cut in diesel and petrol excise duties will lead to a revenue impact of Rs 1 lakh crore.

Apart from rising crude prices, the fertiliser prices have hit "unimaginable" levels, the FM said, adding that high gold prices are creating "some challenges" on the external front.

There is a need to focus on the three Fs of fuel, fertiliser and forex, Sitharaman said, pointing out that PM Modi's appeals are in this context.

However, some "naysayers" have jumped into the situation, claiming that everything is "crumbling", which is not just right, the FM said.

"'All the good that is being done by the common people themselves, that is forgotten. And a pessimistic, cynical narrative is generated, which is just not right," she said.

"We should appreciate that the challenges are more externally driven. We must also recognise that India's domestic economic situation remains positive and resilient even today," the FM said.

"India cannot afford fearmongering. We need to give confidence to the people with our words and with our actions," she said.

FM also highlighted that the issue of Rs 8.1 lakh crore locked in delayed payments for MSMEs is impacting their working capital and growth. She urged public sector undertakings not to exceed the 45-day window to make payments to MSMEs.

(With PTI inputs)