India’s growth story so far has been commendable. Although only the 11th biggest economy in the world, India is the second fastest-growing, behind PRC (source: BBC News). The Indian economy recovered from the slowdown at the time of the global financial crisis with strong GDP growth. The agricultural sector bounced back after the 2010 monsoon brought normal levels of rainfall, and the industrial sector registered double-digit growth for three consecutive quarters. However, the level of inflation is worrying, and The Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”) is likely to continue its policy of cautious rate hikes in an uncertain environment. 

India’s growing population coupled with its industrialisation has caused a demand for the sustainable development and efficient management of water resources. Although water is a key government concern, and irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects are to a large extent carried out by the government, water investments are calculated to be 10% lower than original estimates (source: World Bank: India Economic Update December 2010). On the other hand, private players are actively granting their support to market efficient water management techniques and equipment (source: Water and Wastewater Management in India, 2010, Netscribes (India)).