Washington, Oct 16 (TIWN) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the Plenary Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held in Washington D.C.

The discussions at the meeting centred on “vaccinate, calibrate and accelerate” which is the theme of the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda. The members of the IMFC elaborated the actions and measures taken by member countries to combat Covid-19 and facilitate economic recovery. 

Sitharaman conveyed that India recognises that universal vaccination is the key to stemming the spread of the virus. She asserted that the stark differences in vaccination coverage of low-income countries and advanced countries is of concern and it is critical that we need to address vaccine inequity. 

The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of the multilateral approach with the principles of equity and common, but differentiated, responsibilities and capabilities to combat climate change. Sitharaman stressed that it is important to recognize the formidable challenges faced by developing countries in getting access to affordable financing and technology.  Before attending the IMFC Plenary Meeting, Sitharaman had also participated in Restricted Breakfast Meeting of the IMF.