Optimism reigns in India as CEOs, consumers look beyond China

Mumbai

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has something to cheer about even as economists slash India's growth forecasts.

A clutch of studies and surveys published around the World Economic Forum show that perceptions about India's outlook are improving, closing the gap with China. The results will be heartening for Mr Modi, who's under fire at home for his shock currency withdrawal that's left analysts scrambling to calculate the impact on the US$2 trillion economy.

Forecasts and perceptions will play a role as Mr Modi nears several state elections scheduled to start next month. His administration is also due t…