Private Sector Should Cover Shortcomings of Government: S&P

India's private sector will need to take on a greater share of the country's investment responsibilities due to constrained fiscal settings, according to a report by global rating agency S&P. With India's net general government debt elevated at around 86% of GDP, the government may focus on building up fiscal buffers, meaning it might not be able to offer the same level of financial support as before. The analysis, titled "India's Growing Role in the Global Economy," emphasized that the country's post-pandemic recovery has been largely driven by government infrastructure projects and household spending on investments.

While the private sector currently contributes around 37% to India's total investments, a broader recovery in corporate investments is still to be realized. The report highlights that the private sector's hesitance to invest is surprising, given its strong position to do so. With lower corporate taxes, robust financial health, and the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in place, companies are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities yet are not investing to their full potential.

Despite this lag, there are positive indications that the private sector investment cycle is starting to gain momentum. The report notes that government infrastructure investments and the revival of the housing sector are beginning to "crowd in" private investments in related industries such as steel and cement. Additionally, private corporate investment is growing in emerging segments where the PLI scheme has been implemented, with electronics and pharmaceuticals being notable success stories.

Looking ahead, solar photovoltaic manufacturing and advanced carbon composite batteries are poised to become major investment areas under the PLI scheme in the next few years. S&P anticipates that industrial investments will continue to gather strength, not only in traditional sectors like steel and cement but also in these emerging industries, further fueling India's economic growth.