Delhi: There has been a positive change in India's business environment, with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) business confidence index reaching a two-quarter high of 68.2 in the July-September period of the current financial year. This represents an increase from 67.3 in the previous quarter and 67.1 in the same quarter last year, reflecting growing optimism among industry leaders.

“The CII Business Confidence Index (CII-BCI) rose to a two-quarter high of 68.2 in the second quarter of the current financial year. This is an improvement over 67.3 in the previous quarter (Q1FY2025) and 67.1 in the same quarter last year (Q2FY24). The rise in the index can be attributed to improving domestic demand amid a weak external environment and rising shipping costs,” the report said. According to the survey, about 59 per cent of respondents expect private capital expenditure to improve in the first half of FY2025 compared to the second half of FY2024. Similarly, 78 per cent of respondents expect CPI inflation to be below 5.0 per cent in FY2025.

The report further said that despite uncertainties arising from global economic and geopolitical conditions, the Indian economy has shown remarkable resilience and strength. “About 17 per cent of respondents feel that improvement in consumption, especially rural demand, will significantly boost economic growth in the current fiscal year,” the survey said. The survey notes that India's economic growth remains resilient despite global challenges, boosted by a stable political scenario following the recent general elections. Industry experts have seen a significant increase in hiring prospects, with almost half of the respondents expecting improvement in employment opportunities across sectors.