Key facts
- India attracted cumulative FDI inflows of $843 billion between 2014-15 and 2025-26.
- This represents a 169% increase over the preceding 12-year period.
- In 2025-26, FDI reached a historic $94.53 billion, with over 90% via the automatic route.
- Flagship initiatives like Make in India and PLI schemes have boosted manufacturing strength.
- Over 47,000 compliance requirements have been eliminated to improve ease of doing business.
- India now has over 2.35 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, generating around 24 lakh direct jobs.
India has attracted a cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $843 billion between fiscal years 2014-15 and 2025-26, marking a significant 169% increase compared to the preceding 12-year period. This surge in investment occurred despite global economic uncertainties, with the country achieving a record $94.53 billion in FDI inflows in 2025-26, over 90% of which entered through the automatic route.
Sumeet Jarangal, joint secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), highlighted that key government initiatives like 'Make in India' and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme have been instrumental in strengthening India's manufacturing capabilities. These schemes have attracted substantial investments, generated significant production and exports, and created over 14 lakh jobs.
Jarangal detailed the transformative growth of India's industrial and startup ecosystem, attributing it to policy reforms, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that India has successfully navigated global disruptions through structural reforms that have bolstered investor confidence and accelerated industrial growth. The country has achieved near self-sufficiency in mobile phone manufacturing and significantly reduced import dependence in pharmaceuticals through domestic production supported by PLI schemes.
Efforts to simplify regulations have led to the elimination of over 47,000 compliance requirements, with the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, rationalizing legal provisions. The National Single Window System, integrated with numerous central ministries and state/UTs, has streamlined the investment process by processing over 13.7 lakh applications and facilitating more than 8.5 lakh approvals.
The 'Startup India' initiative, launched in 2016, has fostered entrepreneurship through various support mechanisms, including recognition, funding, tax incentives, and market access. India now boasts over 2.35 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, creating approximately 24 lakh direct jobs, with a notable presence in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and inclusive representation of women directors. Financial support schemes like the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups are enhancing capital access for startups across different lifecycle stages.