IMF predicts weak growth outlook for India in 2012-13

Washington: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered India's economic growth forecast by 1 percent to 5-6 percent for 2012-13.

The IMF in its latest World Economic Outlook report said, "Growth in India is projected to average 5-6 per cent in 2012–13, more than one percentage point lower than in the April 2012 WEO (World Economic Outlook)."

"The downgrade reflects both an expectation that current drags on business sentiment and investment will persist and a weaker external environment," the report said.

Released in Tokyo ahead of the IMF-World Bank 2012 Annual Meetings, the report said that the growth has weakened in the first half of current year due to deteriorating business sentiment and stalled investment due to governance issues.

"In India, growth weakened more than expected in the first half of 2012, an outcome of stalled investment caused by governance issues and red tape, and deterioration in business sentiment against the backdrop of a rising current account deficit and the recent rupee depreciation,” it said.

The report presented a gloomier picture of the global economy than a few months ago, saying prospects have deteriorated further and risks increased.

The IMF's forecast for global growth was marked down to 3.3 percent this year and 3.6 percent for 2013.

The multilateral agency said advanced economies are projected to grow by 1.3 percent this year, compared with 1.6 percent last year and 3 per cent in 2010, with public spending cutbacks and the still-weak financial system weighing on prospects.