India This Decade

Amaya

Welcome to India This Decade podcast, a series about one of the world's biggest and most exciting economies, India. Through this podcast series, we want to help educate investors seeking to scale up their investments or invest for the first time in the Indian Economy. We hope you will get a lot more clarity on why India should be on your list for your future investment consideration. We'll talk with people in Indian business to learn about the country's growth. This podcast series explores the importance of how India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 and beyond. The thoughts shared by hosts and guests are their own. They, their jobs, or partners might have a part in the equities talked about in this podcast. This podcast is just for information and should not be used to make any investment choices.

  1. 02/07/2024

    India's at the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, Davos 2024

    The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), held from January 15th to 19th, 2024, bestowed its grand stage upon the picturesque Davos-Klosters in Switzerland. India, with its resplendent growth story, digital public infrastructure landscape, burgeoning startup ecosystem, and expanding energy sector, commanded a significant presence at this prestigious event. India's impact reverberated throughout the summit, with the country proudly showcasing its accomplishments through three exclusive lounges: the India Engagement Centre, the Experience India Centre, and the India Investment Centre.   The illustrious Indian delegation, led by a cohort of esteemed ministers, including the highly respected Smriti Irani, Minister of Women & Child Development, the distinguished Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Housing & Urban Affairs, and the eminent Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & IT, actively participated in a variety of engaging sessions at the WEF. These sessions explored crucial topics such as biofuels and gender gaps, showcasing India's commitment to progressive policies. Beyond the central delegation, several Indian states, notably Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka, left an indelible mark at Davos by positioning themselves as formidable tech hubs for manufacturing and artificial intelligence. These states, brimming with potential, anticipate attracting investments worth trillions of dollars in the near future.

    7 min
  2. 12/20/2023

    Understanding India's Role in COP28 and Climate Change

    India has been taking significant strides in addressing climate change, with a strong focus on renewable energy and sustainable development. Our country's climate strategy revolves around three pivotal principles: Mission LiFE, the Green Credit Initiative, and an unwavering commitment to equity and climate justice. At COP28, India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, emphasized the crucial need for "equity and justice" in climate negotiations. He argued that developed countries should lead global climate action, considering their historical contribution to climate-warming emissions. This stance reflects India's position as a developing country, carefully balancing the imperative for economic growth with environmental responsibility. But what does this mean in practical terms? Let us delve into the specifics of India's climate action plans. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy. By the year 2030, our goal is for 50% of our electricity to come from renewable sources. This includes a plan to add another 17 gigawatts of coal. Furthermore, India aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. In fact, India has already made remarkable progress towards combating climate change. We aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and meet fifty percent of our electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030. Impressively, our country has already surpassed its commitment made at COP 21- Paris Summit by meeting 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels, almost nine years ahead of schedule. India's transition towards clean energy is well underway. We have witnessed a significant increase in the share of solar and wind energy in our energy mix. Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India than in any other major economy, with new capacity additions on track to double by 2026.

    7 min
  3. 11/29/2023

    India's Historic Moon Landing: A Game-Changer for the Nation's Economy

    The global space economy is currently valued at a staggering $546 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a staggering $1 trillion by 2030. This remarkable growth is mainly driven by commercial revenue, which contributes 78% to the total space economy, with the communications sector experiencing rapid expansion. Despite uncertainties surrounding the global economy and recent slowdowns in space investment, the space economy is forecasted to exhibit resilience in the coming years. India's successful landing on the Moon's south pole through the Chandrayaan-3 mission has significantly enhanced its reputation as a cost-effective leader in space engineering. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for our nation. While our aspirations of becoming a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group may remain unfulfilled, we now join the elite club of countries that have successfully reached the Moon, alongside China, Russia, and the United States. This successful landing serves as a testament to India's remarkable progress in the fields of science and technology. Over the years, our space program has steadily expanded, incorporating larger boosters and complex space operations. The triumph of the Moon landing amplifies the appeal of India's space launch facilities, indirectly benefiting the program's revenue stream and enhancing its soft power. Furthermore, this success positions India as an enticing partner for collaboration, potentially leading to joint ventures, private technology initiatives, and public-private partnerships.

    6 min
  4. 11/14/2023

    Solar Energy Possibilities in India

    India's solar panel and electrification industry is on the cusp of remarkable growth in the upcoming years. As of 2020, solar power only accounted for less than 4% of India's electricity generation, while coal held a significant share of close to 70%. However, by 2040, these figures are projected to converge around the low 30%s, indicating a momentous shift towards solar power. This transformation is primarily driven by India's ambitious policy objectives, particularly the goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Additionally, the extraordinary cost competitiveness of solar power is expected to outperform existing coal-fired power by 2030, even in conjunction with battery storage. At the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Prime Minister further announced a revised target of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. The Indian government has cultivated a competitive ecosystem for renewable energy by providing strong incentives for capacity expansion and fostering policies conducive to research-led innovation. The National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, has played a pivotal role in propelling the rapid growth of solar energy in India over the past 15 years. In the fiscal year 2022, the government identified 28 Central Government policies that subsidize renewable energy, amounting to INR 11,529 crore (USD 1.5 billion). This includes a one-time capital infusion of INR 2,500 crore (USD 0.3 billion) into the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to enhance their operations in the renewable sector. The government has also permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% under the automatic route, introduced policies to establish Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks, and implemented Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding for grid-connected projects.

    7 min
  5. 11/04/2023

    Understanding the Trends of Indian Consumer Market and its Possibilities

    The Indian consumer market is evolving rapidly, influenced by urbanization, higher income levels, and the development of new urban lifestyles. By 2025, India is set to become the fifth largest consumer market in the world. One of the most significant trends shaping the Indian consumer market is the rise of e-commerce. Online shopping, or E-tailing, has seen a surge in recent years due to its unique advantages for both consumers and retailers, such as round-the-clock shopping facilities, reduced overhead expenses, and a wide range of product offerings. In fact, the Indian e-commerce market is anticipated to increase from US$48.5 billion in 2018 to US$200 billion in 2026. Sustainability is another key trend influencing consumer behavior in India. The psychology of fashion, for instance, is moving beyond clothing's impact on the individual to consider the impact of many other products that express self-identity. This shift is driven by factors such as conformity, desires for variety seeking and the need to express personal creativity. Technology is also playing a crucial role in shaping consumer trends. The rise of e-commerce and e-governance is a testament to the impact of technology on consumer behavior. With advancements in technology sharing, usability, integration, web applications, and remote wireless connectivity, India's GDP and macro economy are on the rise. In the telecommunications industry, there has been a substantial increase in data usage during the pandemic, as people rely on online communication tools to stay connected. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the monthly wireless data usage per subscriber grew from 11.6 GB in 2019 to 12.1 GB in 2020. Additionally, broadband subscribers rose from 661.94 million in December 2019 to 726.32 million in December 2020.   The e-commerce sector in India has shown tremendous growth in recent years, supported by a growing internet user base on mobile phone devices. The Indian e-commerce market is anticipated to increase from US$48.5 billion in 2018 to US$200 billion in 2026. The increased use of smartphones and the internet has led to this growth. In the telecommunications industry, there has been a substantial increase in data usage during the pandemic, as people rely on online communication tools to stay connected. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the monthly wireless data usage per subscriber grew from 11.6 GB in 2019 to 12.1 GB in 2020. Additionally, broadband subscribers rose from 661.94 million in December 2019 to 726.32 million in December 2020.

    11 min
  6. 10/22/2023

    "Historic" India-Middle East-EU Corridor

    At the G20 summit, a significant announcement emerged, not from the main stage, but from the sidelines. A new alliance was formed, and an ambitious infrastructure project, the EU-Middle East-India Corridor, was unveiled. This initiative, often referred to as the Modern Day Spice Route, is a bold challenge to China's Belt and Road or BRI. The Corridor aims to connect Europe, West Asia, and India through a network of railways and ports. The key players in this venture include India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany. The plan is to link rail and port facilities across West Asia, essentially creating a bridge that will expedite trade between India and Europe. Some estimates suggest that this could make trade 40% faster, marking a historic milestone in global commerce. Now, I know this might sound a bit complex, so let's visualize it. Picture a shipping container journeying from Mumbai to Europe. Currently, it would have to navigate through the Suez Canal, a route that accommodates 10% of global maritime trade and often experiences congestion. This new route proposed by the alliance offers a more efficient alternative. The shipment could travel from Mumbai to Dubai by sea, then move on to the Haifa port via rail, passing through cities like Riyadh, and finally reach Europe by sea again. This route not only saves time and money but also avoids bottlenecks, making it a win-win for all involved. But why is this project so crucial? Firstly, it reduces travel time and cost. The East Corridor connects India to the Arabian Gulf, and the North Corridor links the Arabian Gulf to Europe, effectively bridging the two continents. Secondly, this route facilitates the export of clean energy, expanding access to clean electricity. Thirdly, the members plan to install a cable for energy and digital connectivity. Lastly, it will protect regional supply chains and enhance accessibility, thereby creating more jobs across the region.

    5 min
  7. 10/16/2023

    India's Emergence as a Potential Alternative to China in Emerging Markets

    India's rise as a potential alternative to China within the emerging markets complex has recently caught the attention of many. This can be attributed to several factors that are driving India's remarkable economic growth story. Firstly, with a population of nearly 1.5 billion people according to United Nations estimates, India has become the most populous country in the world, surpassing China for the first time since 1950. Although poverty remains a concern, substantial progress has been made, with the percentage of people living in multidimensional poverty decreasing from 55% in 2005 to 16.4% in 2021. Another significant factor is India's workforce. Over the past two decades, India's population growth has outpaced China's, experiencing a remarkable 36% increase. Additionally, more than 40% of India's population is under the age of 25, resulting in a median age of 28, almost a decade younger than China's. This youthful and sustainable working-age population, coupled with rising real wages, lays a solid foundation for future economic growth. Investors have taken notice of India's immense growth potential, leading to steady inflows into Indian equities. The MSCI India Index has recently broken out from a two-year consolidation range, indicating a bullish momentum and suggesting further upside potential. India has been outperforming China since December 2020, and this trend is expected to continue. Global capital flows are shifting away from China in favor of other emerging Asian markets, with India at the forefront. This shift is driven by concerns over China's business environment, economic recovery, and politics.   India's focus on infrastructure development is another crucial driver of growth. The country has allocated approximately $120 billion for infrastructure spending in the current fiscal year, representing a notable 37% increase from the previous year. This investment is part of a broader infrastructure pipeline amounting to nearly $2 trillion from 2019 to 2025. Progress has been made in enhancing railways, roads, and electrified rail networks, which support economic development and connectivity.

    5 min
  8. 10/06/2023

    Embracing India's Rise as a Chemical Hub

    India is the 6th largest producer of chemicals in the world and 3rd in Asia, contributing 7% to India’s GDP. The industry covers more than 80,000 commercial products and accounts for 2.5% of the world’s global chemical sales, exporting to over 175 countries. The industry is expected to reach US$ 304 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 9.3%, driven by rising demand in the end-user segments for specialty chemicals and petrochemicals. India's chemical sector is currently estimated to be worth US$ 220 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 300 billion by 2025 and US$ 1 trillion by 2040. Now, let's discuss the growth projections for the Indian chemical industry till 2040. By 2040, India is projected to become the third-largest chemical producer in the world, after the United States and China. The Indian chemical sector is projected to grow by 11 to 12 percent during 2021–27 and by 7 to 10 percent during 2027–40, tripling its global market share by 2040. This growth is expected to be driven by a range of factors, including rising domestic consumption, which is expected to account for more than 20 percent of incremental global consumption of chemicals over the next two decades. Domestic demand is expected to rise from $170 billion to $180 billion in 2021 to $850 billion to $1,000 billion by 2040. This growth will be driven by increasing domestic demand, export opportunities, and the shift of global manufacturing from China to India.

    11 min

About

Welcome to India This Decade podcast, a series about one of the world's biggest and most exciting economies, India. Through this podcast series, we want to help educate investors seeking to scale up their investments or invest for the first time in the Indian Economy. We hope you will get a lot more clarity on why India should be on your list for your future investment consideration. We'll talk with people in Indian business to learn about the country's growth. This podcast series explores the importance of how India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 and beyond. The thoughts shared by hosts and guests are their own. They, their jobs, or partners might have a part in the equities talked about in this podcast. This podcast is just for information and should not be used to make any investment choices.