Anti-CAA stir, Delhi violence have not dampened investor sentiment: FM

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday asserted that the anti-CAA protests and the recent violence in Delhi have not dampened the spirit of investors.

Addressing a press conference here after meeting various shareholders post the Union Budget, Sitharaman said investors whom she met in her recent visit to Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to invest more in India.

"I met several investors... both Saudi and Indian investors there. No one showed any concern. On the contrary, they were willing to invest more in India," she said.

Sitharaman claimed that the companies also explored possibilities for opening representative offices in India, reflecting their willingness to invest more.

"Lots of interest were shown on various projects," the finance minister said.

Asked specifically about protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or the recent violence in Delhi, Sitharaman said, "The sentiment of foreign investors has not dampened at all."
On the AGR dues by telecom operators, the minister said, "The department concerned is working on it after having met with the industries. Whatever is the decision of the government, they will be announced when they are ready."