IMF boosts India’s growth forecast to 6.8% for 2024

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased India’s growth projection to 6.8 percent for this year, up by 0.3 percent from its previous update in January 2024, as stated in the World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Tuesday.

The IMF predicts India’s growth will remain strong at 6.8 percent in 2024 and 6.5 percent in 2025, driven by robust domestic demand and a growing working-age population.

India is expected to outperform other large economies, with China following at 4.6 percent in 2024 and 4.1 percent in 2025. Global output growth is anticipated to continue at a steady pace of 3.2 percent in 2024 and 2025, consistent with the growth rate in 2023.

“The global economy remains remarkably resilient, with growth holding steady as inflation returns to target,” noted the IMF in its report. Despite previous predictions of a recession, the world economy has stayed afloat, thanks to the banking system’s resilience and stability in major emerging markets.

Regarding oil prices, the IMF foresees a 2.5 percent year-over-year decrease to an average of $78.60 per barrel in 2024, further falling to $67.50 by 2029. The organization considers the risks to this forecast as “balanced,” with potential price fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions and changes in supply and demand dynamics.

In conclusion, the IMF’s updated projections reflect a positive outlook for India’s economic growth, with the global economy showing resilience and stability despite existing challenges and uncertainties in the international landscape.