India’s fiscal deficit has been a subject of concern for many years. With a deficit of 6.8% of GDP in 2022, the government faces a daunting task to reduce it. Strategic borrowing can help achieve this goal.
By issuing long-term bonds, the government can lock in low interest rates and reduce the burden of debt servicing. For instance, the 10-year bond yield has decreased by 1.5% in the past year, making it an ideal time to borrow. The government should also consider issuing inflation-indexed bonds to attract investors and reduce the risk of inflation.
By adopting a prudent borrowing strategy, the government can reduce its fiscal deficit and achieve economic stability. The target is to reduce the deficit to 4.5% of GDP by 2025.