Can China Surpass India's Growth? Insights from Investor Mark Mobius

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is the leading emerging market according to Mark Mobius.
- China is not expected to surpass India’s growth.
- US tariffs may impact exports slightly but India’s domestic demand remains strong.
- Indian entrepreneurs are resilient and innovative in overcoming challenges.
- India is on track to become the second-largest economy globally.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) The renowned billionaire investor Mark Mobius has stated that India continues to be the foremost emerging market, asserting that China will not be able to outpace India's growth trajectory in the long run.
Mobius emphasized that, in spite of the US tariffs imposed on Indian exports and temporary fluctuations, India's robust domestic demand, governmental reforms, and the resilience of its entrepreneurial spirit will ensure its dominance over other emerging economies. The veteran investor has allocated nearly 20 percent of his portfolio to investments in India.
In a conversation with the Economic Times, he noted that industries like pharmaceuticals, gems, and apparel might face challenges due to US President Donald Trump's 50 percent tariff on exports. However, he remains optimistic that Indian companies can pivot by relocating manufacturing to alternative markets like Africa.
“Indian entrepreneurs are incredibly innovative. I believe they will navigate through these challenges,” Mobius remarked.
Concerning the US tariffs, he mentioned, “At worst, exports might reduce economic growth by 0.5 percent to 0.75 percent. But India's domestic market is vast and continues to grow rapidly. Even if growth estimates dip from 6 percent to 5.5 percent, it’s not a significant concern,” he added.
The billionaire investor advised that the US government should refrain from isolating India regarding Russian oil imports, highlighting that China is acquiring a similar volume. He suggested that negotiations could help reconcile these issues, particularly with global crude prices declining.
He also pointed out that a weaker rupee serves as an advantage for exporters and remarked that government support measures will help mitigate the impact. “The Indian market appears robust. The economy continues to perform well. Ultimately, India and the US will reach a consensus as this situation can’t persist indefinitely,” Mobius noted.
The global investor previously stated that India has the potential to become the second-largest economy in the world. Currently, India has a significantly larger population than China, which is now estimated to be around 800 million or even less, with an average age considerably higher than India’s 1.4 billion citizens,” he stated.
In just a few years, India has progressed from being the 11th-largest economy globally to the fourth largest. By 2025, India is projected to be ranked behind the US, China, and Germany in terms of total GDP.