$100 bn FDI milestone

India has crossed the $100 billion milestone in foreign direct investment through equity since 2000 up to July this year, testifying the country’s increasing profile as a safe and sound investment destination in the midst of the global financial crisis. As much as 44% of the money came through the Mauritius route, apparently because investors wanted to take advantage of India’s double taxation avoidance treaty with the island nation. The cumulative FDI inflows since 2000 and up to July 2009 amounted to $100.33 billion. The inflows in the first four months of the current financial year was $10.49 billion, according to data compiled by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. The other big investors included Singapore, the US, UK and the Netherlands.