Josh Foulger, CEO of Zetwerk, and Anmol Jaggi, Co-Founder of Gensol Group, share insights on India's ambitious goal to reach a $30 trillion economy by 2047. They discuss the crucial role of the electronics industry in boosting growth under the Make in India initiative. The conversation also highlights advancements in renewable energy and sustainable mobility, including the electrification of transportation. With global challenges looming, they emphasize the importance of private investment and innovative policies to navigate risks and seize opportunities.
India is on track to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, with projected GDP reaching $7 trillion by 2031 despite recent slowdowns.
The nation’s renewable energy initiatives, aiming for 500 gigawatts by 2030, will play a vital role in addressing sustainability challenges.
Deep dives
India's Economic Growth Projections
India is on track to become a $30 trillion developed economy by 2047, with impressive growth expectations leading up to that milestone. The GDP is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2031, despite a recent dip to a seven-quarter low of 5.4%. Although GDP growth is expected to moderate to 6.8% in fiscal 2025, India will still hold the title of the world's fastest-growing major economy. Government infrastructure investments have significantly increased, rising from 1.7% to 3.4% of GDP, which is anticipated to drive private sector capacity utilization to a record high, benefiting sectors such as manufacturing and renewable energy.
Private Sector Investment and Capex Outlook
Private sector capital expenditure (capex) has been sluggish, with recent reports indicating a decrease in new investments and project completions. However, optimism remains due to robust order books in capital goods and anticipated government spending increases. Factors such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aims to boost production and value addition in key sectors, are expected to stimulate private sector investment gradually. While the recovery of private capex may be slow due to current uncertainties, sectors like steel, cement, and technology-intensive industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles are poised for growth.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Goals
India's commitment to renewable energy is central to its sustainability agenda, with aims to achieve 500 gigawatts of capacity by 2030. The transition to renewable sources, particularly solar, is expected to make substantial progress, with advancements in technology reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Challenges such as financing, land acquisition, and grid connectivity must be addressed, yet initiatives like the government's vision for improved transmission infrastructure are underway. The burgeoning electric mobility sector, exemplified by companies like BlueSmart, highlights the growing emphasis on sustainable transport solutions, with an ambitious goal of significant fleet expansion in the coming years.
By 2047, India aims to become a $30 trillion economy as it celebrates 100 years of independence. Despite recent GDP slowing to 5.4% and inflation concerns, the India Progress Report 2024, co-authored by The Economic Times and Crisil projects stable growth, with the economy expected to hit $7 trillion by 2031. Driving this are infrastructure investments, manufacturing growth, and renewable energy expansion. While challenges like geopolitical risks and trade uncertainties persist, hopes arr pinned on private investments being unleashed and policy reforms. In this episode which is part of ET India Ascends, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist at Crisil, Josh Foulger president of consumer electronics business at Zetwerk, and Anmol Jaggi Co-Founder of Gensol Group, about how India can navigate risks and utilise opportunities to achieve its ambitious goals.
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