During the 37th anniversary celebration of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need to focus on three critical areas: fuel, fertilizer, and foreign exchange. She addressed concerns regarding the current economic climate, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, asserting that India's domestic economy remains resilient. Sitharaman criticized those who propagate a negative narrative about the economy, emphasizing the importance of fostering confidence among the populace. She pointed out that the government's recent excise duty cuts on diesel and petrol will have a revenue impact of ₹1 lakh crore. Furthermore, she noted the challenges posed by rising crude and fertilizer prices, as well as high gold prices affecting the external economic front. Sitharaman also raised concerns about the ₹8.1 lakh crore tied up in delayed payments to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), urging public sector entities to ensure timely payments within a 45-day timeframe to support their growth and working capital needs.