Clues to India economic recovery lie in alphabet soup

WHAT shape will the Indian economic recovery eventually take? The clues are floating within a bowl of alphabet soup.

Some economists believe that the Indian recovery will be U-shaped, or like a V. Others argue that it will be a W. Still others are certain it will be K-shaped. It's all inside the Indian version of laksa.

According to a recent statement by the Indian government's chief economic advisor, the economic recovery would be V-shaped, following a massive shrinkage of the gross domestic product in the April-to-June quarter. The V- shape indicates a sharp resurgence after a precipitous fall. Other economists point to a more likely U-shaped turnaround, which means that there would be flattish growth for a while, and a slower upsurge. There is also talk of an L-shaped future, which indicates rather bleakly a worrisome growthless period up ahead.