Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to visit Qatar from September 27 to 29, 2026, to attend the 11th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha. The AIIB Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 28 and 29 and will bring together finance ministers, policymakers, financial institutions and other stakeholders to discuss infrastructure investment and international cooperation.
Finance Minister’s Qatar Visit
During her visit to Qatar, Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to participate in the AIIB Annual Meeting and related discussions. The meeting is being held under the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation” and will focus on sustainable infrastructure, innovation and international financial cooperation.
The Finance Minister’s Qatar visit is taking place at a time when the Indian banking sector is facing a major three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
Bank Strike From September 28 to 30
Bank employees and officers are scheduled to observe a nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The strike has been called over various service-related issues. One of the major demands of the banking unions is the implementation of a five-day banking week. The unions have also raised issues related to pension, staffing, workload and working conditions.
The three-day strike is expected to affect the operations of public sector banks across the country. Customers may face disruption in branch-related banking services during the strike period, although digital banking, ATMs and other online services may continue to remain available, subject to normal operational conditions.
Bankers Fighting for Their Demands in India
At a time when bankers across India are preparing to stay away from work for three days to raise their demands and seek action on long-pending issues, the Finance Minister will be outside the country on an official visit to Qatar. From September 28 to 30, bank employees and officers are expected to participate in the nationwide strike, while the Finance Minister’s Qatar visit is scheduled from September 27 to 29.
The timing has drawn attention within the banking fraternity because the strike involves public sector bank employees across the country. Bankers are seeking resolution of their demands, including the long-pending demand for a five-day banking week and other issues concerning employees and officers.
Strike During Important Banking Period
The timing of the strike is also significant as September 30 is the half-yearly closing date for banks. Bank employees and unions have raised concerns about workload and staffing, particularly during important closing periods.
The government and bank managements have taken steps to minimise the impact of the strike and maintain essential banking services. However, the proposed three-day strike could still affect normal branch operations in several parts of the country.
The situation has therefore created an unusual contrast: while thousands of bankers in India are preparing for a three-day strike to raise their demands, the Union Finance Minister is scheduled to represent India at the AIIB Annual Meeting in Qatar. The developments will be closely watched by the banking sector as the strike begins on September 28.
