New Delhi – India has moved up one spot to become the 15th largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) globally in 2024, according to the World Investment Report 2025 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This jump comes despite a modest 1.9% dip in inflows, which stood at $27.6 billion compared to $28.1 billion in 2023.
“India remained the dominant FDI destination in South Asia, accounting for the vast majority of inflows in the subregion,” the report noted.
While global FDI slipped 11% to $1.5 trillion in 2024, India’s consistent performance signals enduring investor confidence—especially in manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
- FDI Ranking:
India ranks 15th globally in FDI inflows (2024), up from 16th in 2023
FDI inflow: $27.6 billion, down 1.9% YoY
- South Asia Leader:
India continues to dominate South Asia’s FDI landscape, with the region receiving $24.1 billion overall
- Greenfield Surge:
India ranked 4th globally in greenfield project announcements in 2024, with 1,080 projects
Also among top 5 countries securing international project finance (97 deals)
- Digital Investment Powerhouse:
India attracted the most greenfield digital economy investments in the Global South (2020–2024), totaling $54 billion
This sector is growing 10–12% annually—outpacing global GDP growth
- FDI Outflows Rise :
India climbed to 18th in FDI outflows, with $23.8 billion in overseas investments
- Semiconductors in Focus:
Four of the 10 largest global megaprojects were in semiconductors—including one in India
Basic metals and electronics projects boosted India’s manufacturing rise
Global Context:
- The US led global FDI with $279 billion, followed by Singapore ($143B), Hong Kong ($126B), and China ($116B)
- Despite global volatility, countries like India, Malaysia, and Vietnam gained ground as alternative manufacturing hubs amid global supply chain realignments
Editor’s Note:
India’s rise in the UNCTAD rankings—paired with a booming digital and greenfield investment footprint—signals a clear trend: India is increasingly being seen as a resilient and attractive destination for strategic long-term capital, especially in logistics, tech, and core manufacturing.
With government initiatives like ‘Make in India’, the PLI schemes, and Gati Shakti infrastructure push, the country is not just attracting funds—it’s cementing itself as a global manufacturing and logistics powerhouse for the future.
