Standard & Poor's again warns India of downgrade

12 Dec 2012 Evaluate

Global ratings agency Standard & Poor's has once again warned that there is a significant chance of India's credit rating cut due to its deteriorating external position, worse political climate and slow fiscal reforms.

Retaining India's sovereign rating at the lowest investment grade, global agency S&P said that high fiscal deficits and a heavy debt burden remain the most significant rating constraints which lead to cut India’s sovereign ratings to junk in next 24 months.

S&P expressed doubts over Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s fiscal deficit target of 4.5% of GDP for FY14 which might be beyond its reach. Rating agency further said that government fiscal reforms and raising of the foreign direct investment cap in various sectors, including insurance, will be difficult to attain due to the current political gridlock.

The rating agency also said that it expects only modest progress from government in fiscal and public sector reforms due to the general elections due in mid-2014. The agency had downgraded India's rating to BBB-minus from BBB stable in April.

However S&P said that the ratings could stabilize again if the government implements initiatives to reduce fiscal deficits and improve its investment climate. Standard & Poor's added that Increase in domestic fuel and fertilizer prices, efficient use of subsidies and early implementation of the proposed goods and service tax could be Fiscal measures that government should focus to retain its credit rating.

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