An Economic Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment in Retail Sector in India

Abstract

India has been placed at first position in the category of countries with the best opportunity for investment in retail sector. The increasing disposable incomes among the Indian middle class and increasing young population have been cited as the main reasons for such attractive optimism. Retailing in India is one of the pillars of its economy and accounts for 14 to 15 percent of its GDP. The Indian retail market is estimated to be US $450 billion and one of the top five retail markets in the world by economic value. India is one of the fastest growing retail markets in the world, with 1.2 billion people.

After months of discussion with various hurdles on 14 September, 2012 the cabinet approved the foreign direct investment in retail in India allowed 100% FDI in Single Brand and 51% FDI in Multiple brand with many preconditions. The minimum FDI limit has been set at $100 million. Half of any investment has to make in infrastructure like cold-storage chains and warehouses. With at least 30% of the goods to be sold will have to source from local producers.

On December 5, 2012 in Lok Shaba after long discussion also given approval to FDI in retail as per the cabinet approval with some amendments likes FDI in retail in cities with a population over one million as well as the states of India have the prerogative to accept it and implement it or they can decide to implement it if they so choose. Actual implementation of policy will be within the parameter of state law and regulations.

This Research Paper makes a modest attempt of developing an insight as to what are the trends in the Indian Retail Industry and to the benefits and drawbacks of FDI in this sector. It has also focused on whether this policy will be beneficial for the Indian Economy as a whole or not.