During the inaugural address at the golden jubilee of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the conflict in West Asia has escalated into a significant threat to global energy routes and is reshaping the multipolar world order. She emphasized that India's strategic economic management over the past decade has allowed the country to sustain elevated capital expenditure and offer targeted support to sectors affected by external pressures. With a debt-to-GDP ratio of 81%, India stands out among major economies, except for Germany, which provides it with the capacity to maneuver in challenging times. Sitharaman noted that while global debt has surged to 95% of GDP, India's ratio is projected to decline to 75.8% by 2030, according to the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, India's external debt-to-GDP ratio is a mere 19.1%, among the lowest in emerging markets, supported by foreign exchange reserves of over $688 billion, which cover approximately 11 months of imports. This prudent fiscal approach is not merely about austerity but involves efficient and transparent spending, enhancing India's ability to respond to economic downturns.