Indian Economy To Grow At 7.8% In 2016-17, Led By Consumption: DBS

New Delhi: Recovery in the Indian economy is likely to continue and the GDP growth is expected to be higher at 7.8 per cent in the current fiscal year, although it will be "uneven", propped largely by "strong consumption" and public expenditure, says a DBS report.

According to the global financial services firm, doubts remain however on the underlying inconsistencies in the GDP numbers. For fiscal year 2015-16, the GDP growth has been pegged at 7.6 per cent.

"We expect growth to gain momentum in 2016-17 fiscal, with headline real GDP up at 7.8 per cent," DBS said in a research note.

Though the January-March growth fared better than expected on real GDP and gross value added (GVA) basis, it "masked" underlying weakness in fixed investments and non-agricultural growth, the report added.

According to global brokerage firm, the burden of lifting growth is likely to be "uneven" largely led by strong consumption followed by public capex, while private sector investments may improve in October-December quarter onwards.

"The upcoming pay commission changes will be additional positive. Rural counterparts are also expected to lend a hand in 2016-17 fiscal following a normal monsoon," it added. 

However, private sector remains subdued on the back of limited benefit from easy monetary policy, weak global demand pressure from stressed balance sheets.

"Early indications of a turnaround in corporate earnings in the first quarter of this year bode well, but it remains to be seen if higher input prices depress margins," the report said, adding that net exports are likely to be flat to slightly negative as firmer global oil prices and consumption demand underpin imports.

The Indian economy expanded by 7.6 per cent in 2015-16. The government expects the economy to grow by 7-7.75 per cent in the current fiscal year.

Regarding the Reserve Bank of India's policy stance, the report said that limited disinflation is expected to narrow the room for further rate cuts.

"Transmission of 150 bps rate cut since January 2015 and provision of liquidity to meet will continue to be a priority for the RBI, until the room to ease further re-emerges," DBS said.

In its policy review meet on June 7, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had kept interest rates intact citing rising inflationary pressure but hinted at a reduction later this year if good monsoon helps ease inflation.