Asian Development Bank and India: Fact Sheet

Abstract

Updated yearly, this ADB Fact Sheet provides social and economic indicators on India as well as concise information on ADB's operations in the country and contact information. India is fast emerging as the next global economic success story. The long-term trend rate of growth has increased from 5.4% in the 1980s, to around 7–8% in recent years. As a result of steady growth, poverty fell to 26.1% in 1999–2000, from 36% in 1993–1994. The Tenth Five-Year Plan, which lays out India’s poverty reduction strategy and its development priorities, aims to reduce income poverty by 15 percentage points by 2012. The current Government (a coalition led by the Indian National Congress) is focusing on policies and investment plans that support inclusive growth, with particular emphasis on agriculture and rural development, and raising investment in infrastructure. Improvement in the quality and delivery of public services, creation of investment and employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, and strengthening of infrastructure are key development challenges.