The meeting comes against the backdrop of an evolving global economic environment, with changes in trade policies and bilateral agreements reshaping the outlook for economies worldwide.
Sitharaman and Clarke reviewed the relationship between India and the IMF, including India’s contribution to the South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC). The two sides underlined the need to maintain close engagement between India and the multilateral institution.
Discussions focused on how stronger cooperation can help promote sound macroeconomic policies while improving economic resilience at both the regional and global levels. India’s role in supporting SARTTAC was also acknowledged during the discussions, highlighting the country’s participation in capacity-building initiatives linked to the IMF.
Separately, the Supreme Court has indicated that it may examine building safety and construction violations on a pan-India basis following the collapse of a building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area. The Court said, “We already have something in mind. It has to be on a pan-India basis. We may get it (petition before Delhi High Court) transferred here. We will take it day after tomorrow,” Bar and Bench reported.
The matter was brought before the bench by Court-appointed Amicus Curiae and Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha, who sought urgent directions for safety inspections and structural audits of PG accommodations, hostels and other student housing facilities in Delhi.
“In view of the recent tragic incident, it is a very serious issue. We have inspected, completed and the last inspection is today at 2:30pm,” Sinha told the Court.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta backed the possibility of transferring the Delhi High Court proceedings, describing the collapse as a “horrific incident” and pointing to the PIL already pending there.
The Satya Niketan building, which was being operated as a boys’ PG near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed on September 6 while repair work was reportedly underway.
The Supreme Court had earlier raised concerns over unsafe and unauthorised structures in Delhi-NCR following the Saket building collapse and Malviya Nagar hotel fire. It had ordered time-bound surveys and warned that officials could face personal accountability for failing to address violations.
The developments place renewed focus on India’s engagement with the IMF alongside the Supreme Court’s consideration of a broader judicial response to building safety and construction violations following the Satya Niketan collapse.
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