India is the bright spot on the dark global horizon: IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva

Calling India a 'bright spot', International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday said that country was a fast-growing economy, even during these difficult times.
"India deserves to be called a bright spot on this otherwise dark horizon because it has been a fast-growing economy, even during these difficult times, but most importantly, this growth is underpinned by structural reforms," Georgieva said.

India’s economy posted double-digit growth of 13.5 percent in April-June quarter, as a favourable base effect and improved activities following the relaxation of pandemic-led restrictions outweighed the rippling effects of geopolitical and global concerns.

Most importantly, this growth is underpinned by structural reforms, she said at a media briefing in Washington DC.

She said digitisation was playing a big role in India’s success. “Among the remarkable success in digitisation in India from digital ID to providing all services and support on the basis of digital access.”

“The country is now stepping into taking the lead in G20 from that position of strength which makes me strongly believe that we would see India leaving a mark on the world for years to come during next year’s presidency,” she said responding to a question of India’s G20 presidency next year.

The IMF’s top official said that India will leave a mark in the areas of digitalisation and digital money.

"We know that we need regulation of crypto; we know that we need to get some more attention to cross-border payments; we are proposing public investments in the infrastructure of the cross-border payment platform."

She said India can play a role in bringing more fairness to IMF. India has been a very strong voice for the Fund to be financially strong and also to be a strong institution on the basis of fair representation of members.

India could also play a role in renewable energy. “India has really leapfrogged in terms of solar and other forms of renewable energy. So, I very much look forward to next year and I am sure that it would make the people of India, the whole nearly one point four billion of them very proud.”

The statements by the IMF chief came at a time the IMF cut India’s FY23 GDP forecast to 6.8% from its earlier projection of 7.4%.

This was the third downward revision for India. FY23 GDP forecast was downgraded to 7.4% in July from 8.2% estimated in April keeping in view negative changes in external conditions, besides rapid monetary policy tightening.

Growth projection was cut in April to 8.2% from 9% owing to higher commodity prices.