A Vote of Confidence

The year 2014 promises to be an exciting one as the world's largest democracy goes to the polls in April-May.While there are never any guarantees in terms of the kind of mandate the Indian voter will throw up, a General Election in India comes with the promise of being the most lively and vibrant exercise in expression of free will. Its repercussions will be immense on the economy, which has been struggling to rise above mediocrity and up to its true potential over the last few years.Stubbornly high inflation, a free-falling rupee and a drop in foreign investment have muddied the waters for what was seen as the engine that would help the West rise above its own economic woes generated by a crippling financial crisis.Economists believe Asia's third-largest economy needs to hit the 8 per cent growth rate mark of two years ago in order to generate enough jobs for the 13 million people entering the workforce each year.However, the most recent figures point to a mere 4.7 per cent growth rate. There is certainly a long way to go.But the overall outlook seems to be an optimistic one as long as India can strike the right note in terms of its reforms policy.Our latest India Investment Journal has a strong 'Wealth' focus this time to coincide with the Global Wealth Management Conclave 2014. We offer readers an analysis of a broad spectrum of sectors that remain at the heart of India's wealth story, besides providing some very practical and impartial advice for keen India watchers and investors.From the future of off-shoring to climbing up the property ladder and from decoding the lucrative art market to the global appeal of Indian wine, our latest journal has something for everyone tracking the India Global Story.As politics is deeply intertwined with the economy, it is inevitable that any turnaround in the country's economic fortunes hinges upon the election results this year.However, meanwhile, all the indicators of growth remain in place so read on for a more rounded view of what doing business in, and with, India involves in the coming years.

Aditi Khanna is the senior editor of India Inc. The above article was published in India Inc′s print edition of the India Investment Journal launched in April 2014 in conjunction with the Global Wealth Management Conclave 2014.