Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Ranks 32nd on Forbes' Most Powerful Women List

India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has secured the 32nd spot on Forbes’ renowned annual list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. This esteemed list recognizes influential women across diverse fields such as politics, business, media, and entertainment.

Sitharaman’s presence on the list highlights her substantial contributions to Indian Politics and policy, showcasing her impact on economic policies, politics, GDP, and population considerations in India. The list also features other accomplished Indian women, including Roshni Nadar Malhotra, CEO of HCL Corporation (ranked 60), Soma Mondal, Chairperson of Steel Authority of India (ranked 70), and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon (ranked 76), according to an ET report.

At the top of the list is Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. US Vice President Kamala Harris secured the third position, and Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, holds the fourth spot. Notably, Taylor Swift achieved her highest-ever ranking at number 5.

Since assuming the role of India’s finance minister in May 2019, Sitharaman has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic strategies, particularly amid global challenges like the coronavirus pandemic. Her influence extends to her role as the corporate affairs minister, and she has previously held positions at the UK-based Agricultural Engineers Association and BBC World Service. Sitharaman has also served on the National Commission for Women.

Forbes’ list emphasizes crucial global issues such as reproductive autonomy, gender-based violence protection, girls’ education, and climate policy. The rankings consider factors like financial influence, media presence, impact, and spheres of influence, reflecting the ongoing fight for women’s rights and well-being, especially in lower-income economies.