India - Overview

The world's largest democracy and second most populous country has emerged as a major power after a period of foreign rule and several decades during which its economy was virtually closed.

A nuclear weapons state, it carried out tests in the 1970s and again in the 1990s in defiance of world opinion. However, India is still tackling huge social, economic and environmental problems.

From the late 1980s India began to open up to the outside world, encouraging economic reform and foreign investment. It is now courted by the world's leading economic and political powers, including its one-time foe China.

The country has a burgeoning urban middle class and has made great strides in fields such as information technology. Its large, skilled workforce makes it a popular choice for international companies seeking to outsource work.

India launches its own satellites and plans to send a spacecraft to the moon. It also boasts a massive cinema industry, the products of which are among the most widely-watched films in the world.

Advantage India

• Progressive movement towards delicensing and deregulation.
  
• India is the world's largest democracy.
  
• The gross domestic product grew by 8.9 percent in the first quarter of 2006-07
  
• Large pool of young skilled labour force, cost effective production facilities, large domestic market.
  
• Capacity upgradation in infrastructure, industrial base and intellectual capital.
  
• Progressive tax reforms.
  
• Progressive opening of the economy to FDI.
  
• Portfolio investment regime liberalized.
  
• Liberal policy on technology collaboration.
  
• Investor friendly policies.
  
• Acceleration of the privatization process and restructuring of public enterprises.
  
• Good network of research and development.
  
• Economic and political stability.

Related Links - About India

India  Business - Government Site

Nasscom 

India Profile -BBC

India Factbook - CIA, USA

Government of India