The real GDP in 1H of 2023-24 registered a YoY growth of 7.7% while the real GDP in Q3 of 2023-24 registered a growth of 8.4%, indicating the sustenance of growth momentum in the financial year. These estimates reaffirm the ability of the Indian economy to grow on the robustness of its domestic demand even when a rise in global uncertainties slows global output. India's real GDP expanded by 7.2% in FY23, the highest among major economies.
The nation has shifted to a modern economy, demonstrating increased global integration, and exporting a fifth of its output, a significant rise from one-sixteenth at independence. The demographic transition, marked by a lower infant mortality rate and a consistent growth in literacy rates, further enhances India's advantageous position. With improved income distribution, heightened employment rates, and globally competitive social amenity provisions, there is potential for India's per capita GDP to expand in the next 25 years, mirroring the growth seen in the preceding 75 years.
In the fiscal year 2024-25 (Interim Budget Estimate), there has been a 11.1% increase in the allocation for capital expenditure, rising from Rs. 10 lakh crore (US$ 120.6 billion) in the previous year (2023-24) to Rs. 11.11 lakh crore (US$ 134 billion). The strong growth of the Indian economy in the first half of FY24 has surpassed that of major economies, contributing to the reinforcement of macroeconomic stability.
Recently, in 2023-24, the following key indicators highlighted improved performances:
India's economy outpaced other economies during the first half of FY24, propelled by robust demand and increased investment. As of March 2024, the annual retail price inflation in India eased to 4.85%, a modest drop from the previous month, staying within the tolerance band set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The real investment rate during Q2 of FY23, prevailing at a high level of 34.6%, demonstrates the Government's continued commitment towards asset creation.
An overall rise in Rabi coverage with adequately filled irrigation reservoirs plays a pivotal role in the agricultural output growth in 2022-23. An increase in minimum support prices for both Kharif and Rabi crops in 2022-23 and progress in rice procurement have already been supplementing rural incomes in the country. Higher incomes have further resulted in an increase in sales of passenger vehicles, two- and three-wheelers, and tractors by a good year-on-year margin in January. The increase in GST collection, the strong generation of e-way bills, and the growth in e-toll collection serve as reaffirmations of the resilience within economic activity.
In addition, steady growth momentum in service activity continues with healthy PMI levels during October to January, attributing to the growth in output and accommodating demand conditions, leading to a sustained upturn in sales. The growth impetus in rail freight and port traffic remains upbeat, with further improvement in the domestic aviation sector. Strong growth in fuel demand, domestic vehicle sales, and high UPI transactions also reflect healthy demand conditions.
Continuous capital spending by the Government during the initial nine months amounted to Rs. 7.2 trillion (US$ 86.4 billion).
The Interim Budget for FY25 emphasizes four pivotal areas: (i) Empowering the poor (“Garib Kalyan, Desh ka Kalyan”), elevating them from poverty, reaching marginalized groups, including street vendors, tribal communities, artisans, and transgender persons, to ensure inclusive growth and leave no one behind; (ii) Welfare of farmers (“Annadata”) by providing direct financial aid, fostering inclusive growth and productivity through farmer-centric policies, income support, risk coverage, and technology promotion; (iii) Empowering the youth (“Amrit Peedhi, the Yuva”) for nation's prosperity by focusing on quality education, holistic development, and fostering entrepreneurial aspirations; and (iv) Empowerment of women (“Momentum for Nari Shakti”) through ease of living, increased participation in workforce and facilitating entrepreneurship.
Strengthening the banking and financial sector is evident, given the stability in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, a resurgence in Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows, and ample foreign exchange reserves providing a robust import cover of 9 months. The external front remains resilient, contributing to the commendable performance of the INR compared to other Emerging Market Economies (EMEs).
India's services exports demonstrated robust performance during April-March period of FY24 with an estimated value of services export amounting to US$ 339.62 billion, registering a 4.4% growth compared to the same period of previous fiscal year. This growth is predominantly fuelled by the software and business services sector. With a projected 8% increase in global IT spending for 2024, India's services exports outlook remains favourable. The narrowing merchandise trade deficit and the upward trajectory of net services receipts are anticipated to contribute to an enhancement in India's current account deficit.
As we move ahead in 2024, the global economic landscape is anticipated to introduce further complexities, necessitating sustained vigilance to uphold India's external resilience. It is important for India to address medium-term challenges, including securing technology and resources for energy transition and skill development for the 21st-century economy. Concurrently, maintaining fiscal consolidation at the general government level is crucial.
The Indian economy shows promising signs with the RBI forecasting a 7% real GDP growth for FY25, supported by the prospects of robust rabi harvesting, manufacturing profitability, and resilient services. While risks such as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions persist, lower input prices and moderated food inflation are expected to positively impact output growth and export prospects. With efforts to enhance export competitiveness and stable inflation rates, the outlook for India's economic growth remains favourable.
The collective efforts invested over the past several years have laid a robust foundation, providing a sturdy platform upon which the framework of a middle-income economy can be built.