FDI inflows to India surge by 73% to $47 billion in 2025
The Indian economy has witnessed a significant boost in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, with a staggering 73% increase to $47 billion in 2025, according to a report by the United Nations Trade and Development. This substantial rise in FDI inflows is a testament to India’s growing attractiveness as a destination for foreign investors, driven by large investments in services like finance and IT, as well as manufacturing.
The report highlights that the surge in FDI inflows to India was largely driven by the government’s efforts to improve the business environment, simplify regulatory frameworks, and introduce policies that encourage foreign investment. The “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014, has been instrumental in promoting India as a manufacturing hub, attracting significant investments from multinational corporations.
The services sector, particularly finance and IT, has been a major draw for foreign investors, with many companies setting up operations in India to take advantage of the country’s skilled workforce and favorable business environment. The growth of the IT sector, in particular, has been remarkable, with many global companies establishing their development centers and back-office operations in India.
The manufacturing sector has also witnessed significant investments, with many foreign companies setting up production facilities in India to cater to the domestic market and export to other countries. The government’s “Production-Linked Incentive” (PLI) scheme, which provides incentives to companies that set up production facilities in India, has been a major factor in attracting foreign investment in the manufacturing sector.
In contrast, FDI inflows to China declined for the third consecutive year, falling by 8%. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the country’s strict COVID-19 restrictions, rising labor costs, and increasing competition from other emerging economies. The decline in FDI inflows to China has created an opportunity for India to emerge as a preferred destination for foreign investors.
The surge in FDI inflows to India is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, creating new job opportunities, increasing economic growth, and improving the overall business environment. The government’s efforts to simplify regulatory frameworks and introduce policies that encourage foreign investment have paid off, and India is now poised to become a major player in the global economy.
The UN report also highlights that the growth in FDI inflows to India is not limited to a few sectors, but is spread across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and renewable energy. This diversification of FDI inflows is a positive sign, indicating that India is becoming a preferred destination for foreign investors across various sectors.
The Indian government has set a target of attracting $100 billion in FDI inflows in the next two years, and the surge in FDI inflows in 2025 is a step in the right direction. To achieve this target, the government is expected to continue its efforts to improve the business environment, simplify regulatory frameworks, and introduce policies that encourage foreign investment.
In conclusion, the surge in FDI inflows to India is a significant development that is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy. The growth in FDI inflows is a testament to India’s growing attractiveness as a destination for foreign investors, driven by large investments in services like finance and IT, as well as manufacturing. As the Indian government continues to simplify regulatory frameworks and introduce policies that encourage foreign investment, India is poised to become a major player in the global economy.
News Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/economy/indias-fdi-inflows-surge-74-to-47-billion-un-data-10864485/amp/1