Finance Minister Upbeat on Growth and Inflation Control; Focuses on New Sectors to Attract Investment and Rural Revitalization

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence that the Indian economy will retain its growth momentum and the government will keep inflation in check.

She defended the government's fiscal restraint in the interim budget, saying a comprehensive approach will be taken in the full budget in July.

On attracting investments, she said focus should not just be on traditional sectors but new sunrise domains like green energy where industry interest is high.

She countered criticism about rural demand, saying rural India is leveraging technology for business in big way leading to rural restructuring.

On external challenges, she said uncertainties have become common but government is constantly preparing to handle global volatility impacting economy.