India's Investment Story Fades: Geopolitics, AI Woes Hit Stocks in 2025
Overview
India's long-standing investment narrative of steady GDP growth and corporate earnings is facing headwinds. Foreign investors fled in 2025, citing the 'India is not AI' theme and geopolitical tensions. Valuations are questioned, the rupee depreciated sharply, and future growth assumptions require reassessment.
India's 'Simple Story' Gets Complicated
The predictable narrative of long-term India investing, centered on 6-7% real GDP growth translating to double-digit nominal growth and subsequent stock market rewards, faced significant challenges in 2025. Foreign investors pulled out $19 billion, marking their worst year of underperformance against emerging markets in two decades.
The AI Theme and Valuation Concerns
A major driver for foreign investor outflows was the perception that India is not part of the 'AI theme,' prompting capital reallocation to markets in Korea, Taiwan, and China. This has also raised questions about the high valuations of some domestic Indian businesses lacking global competitiveness in technology.
Geopolitical Pressures and Rupee Weakness
Geopolitical friction, particularly the strained relationship with the United States post-conflict and continued high tariffs, added pressure. The Indian rupee depreciated sharply against a weak US dollar, exacerbating USD-denominated returns for foreign investors. Net FDI flows turned negative, driven by exits from private equity and venture capital.
Reassessing Growth and Outlook for 2026
While the INR is considered undervalued on a relative basis, sentiment could lead to continued depreciation. The outlook for 2026 requires a reassessment of growth assumptions. Policy makers are urged to address structural aspects like tax policy and foreign investor sentiment to attract long-term capital and sustain growth.
