Recently, while addressing the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 9 January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora towards the development of India. He emphasized how the global talent pool from India is earning praise across the world, with professionals playing key roles in major companies worldwide. The diaspora, he noted, acts as ambassadors of India, wielding influence in their respective countries. In light of this, India has set the ambitious target of becoming a developed country by 2047, and the Prime Minister urged Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in India and encourage their foreign associates to do the same. Following the event, many diaspora entrepreneurs and businesspeople expressed their desire to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India's development in 2025. They suggested that to realize this goal, India must raise the FDI limit, eliminate regulatory barriers, enhance infrastructure, improve trade policies, liberalize investment regulations, streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic hindrances, and create a more conducive judicial environment to resolve corporate disputes. It is worth noting that a report from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed that India’s FDI flow surpassed $1,000 billion from April 2000 to September 2024. Notably, the first half of the financial year 2024-25 saw $42.1 billion in FDI across 60 sectors, spanning all 31 states and union territories. This marks a record-breaking FDI flow, with $667.4 billion coming in the last decade alone, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global economic system. Mauritius, Singapore, and the United States are the top contributors to India’s FDI, with significant investments in sectors such as IT, financial services, telecommunications, infrastructure development, and consulting. These sectors have become the main destinations for foreign investment, reflecting the continued strength of India’s rapidly growing economy. Several factors have driven this surge in foreign investments. India’s economy grew by 8.2% in FY 2023-24, surpassing expectations, and is projected to grow at around 7% in FY 2024-25. Global trends such as demographic shifts, digitalization, decarbonization, and deglobalization are all in India’s favor. Moreover, political stability and economic reforms like the Make in India initiative, GST implementation, labor cost competitiveness, and sectoral incentives have strengthened India's attractiveness for investors. Legislative reforms like abolishing angel tax for startups and reducing corporate tax rates for foreign companies further support investment inflows. India’s large, skilled workforce and its growing middle class with high purchasing power also play pivotal roles in this growing attraction. India has also simplified business operations, removing 1,500 outdated laws and over 40,000 unnecessary compliances in the past decade. Key reforms in the bankruptcy law and the decriminalization of certain legal provisions have also created a more investor-friendly environment. As global markets face stagnation, especially in China, India presents itself as a highly attractive investment destination. Investors are seeking alternatives to China, and many see India as the most viable option. The country is making strides in becoming a global manufacturing hub, now ranking fifth in the world with a manufacturing output of $456 billion. India’s economy, now the fifth-largest globally, is moving towards becoming the third-largest, thanks to its thriving manufacturing sector. These developments, combined with the potential for further FDI, are essential for India’s journey to becoming a developed country. Looking ahead to 2025, the government’s strategic efforts will be crucial in attracting more FDI, especially from NRIs and their foreign associates. Enhanced infrastructure, education reforms, and business-friendly policies will further solidify India’s standing as a top destination for global investors. If these measures are effectively implemented, India is set to climb among the top five FDI destinations worldwide, bringing it closer to its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.