Understanding India: Episode 13

Beyond the Headlines: India’s Economy Under the Microscope

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In our final episode for 2025, Avanti Bhati is joined by Professor Anil Sood, Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies in Complex Choices, and Alok Prasanna, Co-founder, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, to unpack the mixed signals in India’s economic narrative.

With GDP growth reported at 8.2% - just as the IMF questions India’s data methodology - the episode asks: How reliable are the numbers shaping our policy choices? Avanti and her guests explore whether inflation is truly as low as reported, how recent government measures like GST cuts and labour reforms are affecting economic activity, and why the rupee continues to slide despite upbeat growth forecasts.

They also examine why manufacturing and 'Make in India' have not gained the traction expected, even after years of incentives such as PLIs and corporate tax cuts.

Clear, nuanced, and forward-looking, this conversation offers a frank opinion on what’s working, what isn’t, and what India needs to prioritise in 2026.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of Osborne Partners. Osborne Partners bares no liability or responsibility to any contents, statements, claims or representations made in this episode.
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