Will Indian Corporates Increase Capex to $800 Billion by FY2030?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Projected capital expenditure to reach $800 billion by FY2030.
- Infrastructure investments are key drivers.
- Government policies support domestic self-sufficiency.
- Forecasted $1 trillion investment for R&D from FY2031 to FY2035.
- Indian firms to potentially double EBITDA without increasing leverage.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) India's prominent corporate entities are poised to double their capital expenditure over the next five years, fueled by escalating revenues and profits, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The analysis from S&P Global Ratings draws parallels between the corporate growth in China during the 2000s and the current trajectory of Indian companies, emphasizing a substantial revenue boost anticipated for India's leading firms.
S&P forecasts that India's corporate capital spending will soar to around $800 billion from fiscal 2026 to fiscal 2030, primarily spurred by investments in infrastructure.
Additionally, an investment of $1 trillion is projected from fiscal 2031 to 2035, focusing on advanced research and development, as highlighted in the report.
According to S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Neel Gopalakrishnan, enhanced infrastructure, political stability, and streamlined corporate balance sheets are driving substantial expansion plans, which will broaden the revenue bases for Indian corporations.
Gopalakrishnan further noted that supportive government policies are playing a crucial role, emphasizing self-sufficiency, increased exports, and the development of a robust supply-chain ecosystem.
“Our fundamental view is that India’s growth momentum will remain robust, with its industrial base and supply chains becoming more extensive and efficient,” Gopalakrishnan stated.
The report highlights that these elements mirror the momentum that led to years of swift growth and market gains for China's corporate sector in the 2000s.
China's growth during that period was propelled by lower trade barriers, substantial foreign investments, and double-digit GDP growth.
However, the ratings firm notes that Indian companies may encounter tighter financing conditions compared to their Chinese counterparts during their high-growth phase, which could ultimately help them avoid the significant debt accumulation seen in many Chinese corporate sectors.
S&P predicts that leading Indian corporates could potentially more than double their EBITDA over the next decade without a significant increase in leverage.