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In a remarkable achievement, Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, has said that India has garnered Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows amounting to $709.8 billion between April 2014 and September 2024. India’s FDI policy framework is built on the principle of openness, allowing 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in most of the sectors. More than 90 per cent of FDI inflows are received through this route, showcasing the effectiveness of simplified regulations. 

Strategic initiatives such as increasing FDI limits, removing regulatory barriers, and improving infrastructure have further enhanced the ease of doing business in the country. He stated since 2014, significant reforms across multiple sectors have boosted FDI inflows. In the defence sector, the FDI cap was raised from 26 per cent to 49 per cent, while 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route was permitted in railway infrastructure. Similarly, the insurance sector has seen its FDI limit progressively increase to 74 per cent, with the pension sector also opening up to foreign investment.

The telecom sector witnessed major liberalization in 2021, allowing 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route. In the manufacturing sector, foreign investments have been permitted under the automatic route, including contract manufacturing. Other key reforms include easing local sourcing norms for Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT), allowing 26 per cent FDI in digital media, and liberalizing the space sector in 2024 to attract global players.