Where Does India Invest the Most? RBI Reveals Top Destinations for Outward FDI in Q1 FY 2025

India’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) stood at a robust USD 6.65 billion in the first quarter of FY 2025 (April 1 to June 30, 2025), according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The report outlines country-wise investment figures comprising equity, loans, and guarantees, showcasing India’s expanding global business footprint.

Total Outward FDI Components

Equity Investments: USD 4.29 billion

Loans Extended: USD 2.35 billion

Guarantees Invoked: USD 0

Total OFDI: USD 6,649.80 million

 Top Recipient Countries of Indian FDI

1. Singapore

Equity: USD 1,889.84 mn

Loan: USD 328.95 mn

Total: USD 2,217.57 million

Largest recipient of Indian FDI this quarter

2. United States of America

Equity: USD 756.56 mn

Loan: USD 247.88 mn

Total: USD 1,004.45 million

3. Mauritius

Equity: USD 0.11 mn

Loan: USD 1,007.61 mn

Total: USD 1,007.72 million

Notably high loan-based investment

4. Netherlands

Equity: USD 253.97 mn

Loan: USD 45.96 mn

Total: USD 299.93 million

5. United Kingdom

Equity: USD 260.56 mn

Loan: USD 77.33 mn

Total: USD 337.89 million

Other Noteworthy Destinations

Germany – USD 345.55 mn

HSBC GIFT CITY – USD 102.58 mn

UAE – USD 450.37 mn

Switzerland – USD 50.31 mn

Australia – USD 34.29 mn

Canada – USD 3.31 mn

Saudi Arabia – USD 1.6 mn

Observations & Trends

The data indicates a shift toward equity-dominant FDI, with over 64% of investments being in equity form.

Singapore continues to be India’s top investment destination, retaining its long-standing position due to its tax-friendly regime and financial infrastructure.

Mauritius, despite losing its historical FDI edge, witnessed a spike in loans, likely related to project financing or holding structure activities.

No guarantees were invoked across all countries in this quarter — indicating strong repayment discipline or structurally safer OFDI.

Sectoral Implications

Although sectoral data is not included in this RBI summary, the high OFDI toward countries like Singapore, USA, and UK typically suggests continued investments in IT services, fintech, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

India’s outward investment appetite continues to rise, with Indian companies diversifying across geographies and structures. The RBI’s quarterly snapshot reaffirms India’s growing stature in global business, capital deployment, and multinational expansion.

Stay updated with The Banking Times for the next OFDI breakdown and deeper analysis into India’s global economic movements.

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