Finance1 min read

Sitharaman 'recognises the voice' of investors: Will FM slash equity taxes in next Budget amid heavy FPI outflows?

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Finance Minister noted that substantial foreign capital entered India during 2023-24 under a comparable tax regime, suggesting fiscal levies are not the sole driver of investment decisions. Meanwhile, healthy Goods and Services Tax collections indicate sustained consumption demand, helping private sector investment build gradual momentum. Sitharaman also stated that the production-linked incentive scheme requires examination due to uneven performance across different participating industries.

Key points

  • Attracting foreign portfolio investment requires broader economic considerations rather t…: Attracting foreign portfolio investment requires broader economic considerations rather than relying purely on tax adjustments.
  • Private sector capital deployment is gradually recovering as visibility over domestic con…: Private sector capital deployment is gradually recovering as visibility over domestic consumption demand continues to improve.
  • Addressing the graduate skills gap and artificial intelligence adoption remains a core pr…: Addressing the graduate skills gap and artificial intelligence adoption remains a core priority for supporting industrial growth.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday acknowledged concerns raised by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and equity market participants about India's investment environment, saying the government is aware of changing global circumstances and will consider their feedback to sustain economic growth above 7%.

Sitharaman said attracting foreign investment required more than just changes in taxation. She pointed out that India's tax structure was broadly similar in 2023-24, when the country witnessed substantial foreign capital inflows.

"Nothing differently was done for drawing investments. But of course, the situation is very different now. Circumstances have changed. Challenges have grown," she said.

The Finance Minister emphasised that India needed adequate capital, particularly equity investments, to maintain its growth momentum. She also indicated that the government was open to engaging with market participants to understand their concerns and address challenges affecting investment flows.

"I wouldn't want to say more at this stage, but I recognise the voice," she said, referring to investor concerns.

Sitharaman said the government had focused on deepening and widening the country's bond market over the past few years. However, concerns…

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