Despite recent military escalations between India and Pakistan, India’s high commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, assures that the nation remains steadfast in its commitment to economic growth. In an interview with CNBC’s “Inside India,” Ambule emphasized that while the country is on operational alert, this doesn’t hinder India’s economic progress. He highlighted the recent conclusion of a trade deal with the UK and ongoing advanced-stage negotiations with the US and EU, signaling continued international economic engagement.
Ambule’s comments follow a period of heightened tension, including military strikes by both India and Pakistan, which concluded with a ceasefire on Saturday. While acknowledging the precarious situation, Ambule noted that the onus is on Pakistan to maintain the peace. The recent military actions stemmed from a terrorist attack in Kashmir, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a new counter-terrorism policy emphasizing that India will not differentiate between terrorist groups and governments that harbor them. Modi’s strong stance underscores India’s determination to tackle terrorism while simultaneously pursuing its economic agenda.
This unwavering focus on economic growth is echoed by investors. Despite geopolitical concerns, optimism surrounding India’s growth prospects remains strong, driven by structural reforms, resilient domestic demand, and robust macro fundamentals, according to Mohit Mirpuri, an equity fund manager at SGMC Capital. The confluence of these factors suggests that India’s economic trajectory remains largely unaffected by the recent surge in tensions with Pakistan, indicating a resilient and forward-looking economic strategy.
The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of the recent conflict are yet to be fully understood. However, Ambule’s assurances and continued investor confidence suggest a strong foundation for India’s ongoing economic growth story.
