S&P retains 6% growth forecast for India

New Delhi: S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday said India’s economy has a track record of strong growth and retained its six per cent growth forecast for current fiscal year.In Asia-Pacific Credit Outlook 2024 titled ‘Slowing Dragons, Roaring Tigers’, S&P said gradual capital deepening, favourable demographics, and improving productivity are essential growth factors.

“India’s economy has a track record of strong growth. We expect this momentum to continue and forecast growth of 6 per cent for FY 2024, then 6.9 per cent for FY 2025 and FY 2026,” S&P said. It said India’s economic growth shines brightly. However, its yields remain higher, as they have been historically, which puts additional pressure on the cost of funding India’s large debt stock. While growth supports market confidence and revenue generation, rates dynamics will be an additional determinant of India’s debt trajectory over the next few years, the US-based rating agency said.

Gradual capital deepening, favourable demographics, and improving productivity are essential growth factors. “Challenges for unlocking the next phase of growth include labour force participation, climate resilience, and further improvements in business environment,” S&P said. It said the Indian economy is reliant on strong growth performance in services industries. The influence of services in the economy has grown over time, while agriculture and other primary industries have reduced economic shares.