Washington, DC [US], October 24 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that India provided financial support to its neighbours in times of distress with no conditions attached much before the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached some countries in the neighbourhood. While participating in a panel discussion on the 'Bretton Woods Institutions at 80: Priorities for the Next Decade', organised by the Center for Global Development, Sitharaman spoke on how India has extended a line of credit to many African nations to build their institutions, bridges, secretariats and railway stations. Also Read | Pedro Sanchez India Visit: Spanish President Along With Spouse Begona Gomez To Visit India From October 27-29 at Invitation of PM Narendra Modi.
Pointing towards the slow process adopted by the IMF, she said, "Much before the IMFs of the world reach some countries in our neighbourhood and I'm not saying this with a sense of boast. I'm saying it more with a sense of responsibility and again, sorry, I have no axe to grind with the IMF. But with no conditions attached, we have given sums of money, which I don't want to name here, number here, because my neighbours are very dear to me.
" Union Finance Minister has assured that India will continue to provide assistance to Global South countries. Sitharaman said she would not share details regarding the money that India provided to the nations, stressing that they are "very important" to her cultural values and neighbour.