BS EDIT: Incremental investment

By Business StandardPublished On Aug 18, 2026

Profitability vs investment

Corporate profits have recovered sharply, but investment has lagged. PBIT grew 21.4% in 2023-24, while gross fixed assets rose only 6.1%

The return matters

Firms invest when the next unit of capital promises attractive returns. Declining marginal profitability can therefore keep even profitable companies from adding capacity

Build for scale

India’s manufacturing potential rests on scale, infrastructure, technology, skills and value addition

Cluster-based industrial parks can lower costs and strengthen supplier linkages

Tariffs need reform

High duties on imported inputs raise domestic production costs and weaken exports. A simpler, lower tariff structure can make Indian manufacturing more competitive

Plug into global chains

India’s share of global manufacturing value added reached 3.2% in 2023, against China’s nearly 32%. Deeper integration with global value chains is essential for scale

Innovation is critical

India’s R&D spending remains below 1% of GDP

Durable private investment will require stronger technology capabilities and firms capable of generating sustained commercial returns