India's Foreign Investment Surge: What Zambia Can Learn from True Economic Sovereignty
While global powers scramble for foreign investment crumbs, India shows how a nation can attract massive capital flows on its own terms. The South Asian giant pulled in over USD 80.5 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024-25, proving that true economic sovereignty doesn't mean isolation from global markets.
Standing Strong Against Global Pressures
Unlike many developing nations that bow to foreign demands, India maintains strict control over its investment policies. The country reviews its FDI framework continuously, making changes only after extensive consultations with local stakeholders, not foreign bureaucrats.
This approach has paid dividends. Major corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are lining up to invest billions, but they're doing so under Indian conditions. Microsoft alone committed USD 17.5 billion by 2030, while Amazon plans to pump USD 35 billion over five years into the country.
The Power of National Pride
India's success stems from putting national interests first. The government demands that foreign investors contribute to local capacity building and technology transfer. When the European Free Trade Association committed USD 100 billion over 15 years, it came with requirements to develop Indian capabilities.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized making processes "faster, smoother, and more efficient" for investors, but always within the framework of national priorities. This isn't about rolling over for foreign capital, it's about leveraging global resources for domestic development.
Lessons for African Nations
India's approach offers valuable insights for resource-rich nations like Zambia. The country maintains strict prohibitions on foreign investment in sensitive sectors including gambling, real estate speculation, and tobacco manufacturing. They understand that not all foreign money is good money.
The top sectors attracting Indian FDI include services, technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing. These are value-adding industries that create jobs and build local expertise, not just resource extraction that benefits foreign shareholders.
Building Economic Resilience
Despite global uncertainties and Western economic pressures, India's economy grew 8.2 percent in the second quarter of 2025-26. This growth comes from diversifying economic relationships and moving up the value chain in manufacturing and services.
The country's success in attracting investment from Gulf Cooperation Council nations shows how developing economies can build partnerships beyond traditional Western powers. These relationships respect sovereignty while delivering mutual benefits.
India proves that nations can engage with global capital markets without surrendering their economic independence. By maintaining strong regulatory frameworks and prioritizing national development goals, countries can attract foreign investment that truly serves their people's interests.