According to the Monthly Economic Review report released by the Finance Ministry for July, India has secured its position as the leading host economy for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the field of renewable energy across developing Asia and Oceania.
The report highlights that the augmentation of India’s external balance is complemented by a continuous upsurge in investor confidence, evident through substantial inflows of foreign investments. This positive trend bodes well for the Indian economy, facilitating beneficial ripple effects stemming from the incoming investments, particularly within sectors crucial for exports.
The Finance Ministry’s report indicates that India witnessed a notable 4.7 percent surge in FDI inflow during the financial year 2022 compared to the previous year, based on data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It also underscores India’s impressive growth in project announcements during the same period, a point corroborated by the World Investment Report of 2023. This positive trajectory stands in contrast to the global FDI pattern of 2022, which experienced a decline of 12 percent, amounting to $1.3 trillion. This downturn was influenced by various factors including ongoing geopolitical tensions, elevated food and energy prices, decreased financial flows and transactions in developed countries, and economic pressures due to recessionary tendencies.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry also noted a shift in net foreign portfolio investor (FPI) inflows in India. The current financial year has seen a substantial improvement, with recorded inflows of $20.2 billion, as opposed to the net outflows of $14 billion in the initial four months.
The report underscores the robust strengthening of India’s foreign exchange reserves in recent months. By the end of July 2023, the country’s reserves had reached a substantial $603.9 billion. This growth has been propelled by strong foreign inflows and a reduction in imports, contributing to India’s enhanced financial position.
Overall, India’s position as a favoured destination for foreign investments, particularly in renewable energy, underscores the nation’s economic resilience and growing stature within the global investment landscape.
