Good news for India


New Delhi, Apr 9: According to the latest projections by the World Bank, the Indian economy is set to experience a significant expansion, with a forecasted growth rate of 7.5% in 2024. This forecast reflects a promising trajectory for India’s economic landscape, indicating resilience and potential amidst global 
uncertainties. The projected growth comes on the heels of various policy reforms and economic stimulus measures implemented by the Indian government to bolster growth and attract investments.
The World Bank’s optimistic outlook for India’s economy underscores the country’s resilience and capacity to rebound from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite facing headwinds such as supply chain
 disruptions and inflationary pressures, India’s economic fundamentals remain robust, supported by a large consumer base, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and ongoing infrastructure developments.
 According to the report, South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region in the world for the next two years, with growth projected to be 6.1% in 2025.

“In India, which accounts for the bulk of the region’s economy, output growth is expected to reach 7.5% in FY23/24 before returning to 6.6% over the medium term, with activity in services and industry expected to remain robust,” the bank said in its report. In Bangladesh, output is expected to rise by 5.7% in FY24/25, with high inflation and restrictions on trade and foreign exchange constraining economic activity.

Following the contraction in FY22/23, Pakistan’s economy is expected to grow by 2.3% in FY24/25 as business confidence improves. In Sri Lanka, output growth is expected to strengthen to 2.5% in 2025, with modest recoveries in reserves, remittances, and tourism.

“South Asia’s growth prospects remain bright in the short run, but fragile fiscal positions and increasing climate shocks are dark clouds on the horizon,” said Martin Raiser, World Bank Vice President for South Asia. “To make growth more resilient, countries need to adopt policies to boost private investment and strengthen employment growth,” he said.