Narendra Modi win unlikely to boost growth: Moody's

Though downside risks to the economy have receded in recent months, it is likely that the growth engine will continue to sputter until 2015 even if "business-friendly" Narendra Modi becomes prime minister, says a report by rating agency Moody's analytical arm.

Though downside risks to the economy have receded in recent months, it is likely that the growth engine will continue to sputter until 2015 even if "business-friendly" Narendra Modi becomes prime minister, says a report by rating agency Moody's analytical arm.

"The May elections offer the chance for better governance, especially if the business-friendly Narendra Modi becomes prime minister, but it will be a long road for the economy...as there is little on the horizon to lift the economy in 2014," Moody's Analytics said in a report titled, 'India Underwhelms.'

It senior economist Glenn Levine cited weakness in the real economy as the reason for his pessimism, with third-quarter GDP figures likely to show the economy growing at about 4.8 per cent.