Indian Firms to Invest $800B in New Sectors

01 Oct 2024

Indian conglomerates are gearing up for a massive investment surge, with capital commitments projected to reach nearly USD 800 billion over the next decade, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings. This wave of investment marks a nearly threefold increase from the previous ten years, signaling a bold push toward growth and diversification.

Approximately 40% of this spending will be directed toward new and emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and data centers. Leading the charge are major players like Vedanta, Tata, Adani, Reliance, and JSW, which collectively plan to invest around USD 350 billion in these high-growth areas.

Neel Gopalakrishnan, credit analyst at S&P Global Ratings, noted, "About 40 per cent of Indian conglomerates' spending over the coming decade will be on new businesses like green hydrogen, clean energy, aviation, semiconductors, EVs, and data centers."

Meanwhile, more conservative conglomerates, such as the Birla, Mahindra, and ITC groups, are expected to focus on strengthening their core businesses, with investment in established areas projected to reach between USD 400 billion and USD 500 billion over the next decade. Maintaining solid credit profiles and managing rising debt levels will be key as these companies expand both in emerging sectors and existing markets.

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