The Indian economy is projected to attain a growth rate of 7% in the fiscal year 2025, following a period of sustained growth at or above 7% in 2023-24. This growth is attributed to the resilient domestic demand, overcoming potential risks and uncertainties in the global economic landscape, as revealed in a recent economic review. The report also emphasizes India's potential to reach a $7 trillion economy within the next six to seven years, envisioning this achievement as a significant milestone in enhancing the quality of life and surpassing the aspirations of the Indian population.
“If the projection for FY25 materializes, it will signify the fourth consecutive year of the Indian economy growing at or above 7% post the pandemic, highlighting the resilience and potential of the nation's economy. This bodes well for the future”, remarked V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor in the finance ministry, as per the economic review disclosed. The National Statistical Office (NSO) anticipates a 7.3% growth in the economy for 2023-24, while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects a 7% growth rate for the current fiscal year.
The review underscores that the robustness observed in the economy's 7% plus growth over the last three years is primarily driven by strong domestic demand, encompassing private consumption and investment. It attributes this economic strength to the government's implemented reforms and measures over the past decade, coupled with substantial investments in physical and digital infrastructure, aiming to stimulate manufacturing.
Identifying the elevated risk of geopolitical conflicts as an area of concern, the review outlines key reform priorities for the future. These include enhancements in skilling, learning outcomes, health, energy security, reduction of compliance burdens for MSMEs, and fostering gender balance in the labor force. The review lauds the reforms undertaken by the central government over the last decade, characterizing them as the foundation for a resilient, partnership-based governance ecosystem that has reinstated the economy's capacity for healthy growth.
The review asserts that India's economic and financial cycles have become longer and stronger, signaling the country's readiness for sustained brisk growth in the coming years. It identifies four potential risks, including increased geo-economic fragmentation and the slowdown of hyper-globalization, leading to friend-shoring and onshoring trends. These developments impact global trade and, consequently, global growth. Additionally, the review highlights the multifaceted trade-off between energy security and economic growth versus energy transition, encompassing geopolitical, technological, fiscal, economic, and social dimensions. The growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses significant challenges worldwide, particularly in the services sector, prompting governments to address employment-related concerns.