Based on the latest reports from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the cycles of 2024–25 and 2025–26, here is the investment profile for these countries.
FDI Inflows into India (Foreign Direct Investment)
Figures represent cumulative equity inflows as of late 2025/early 2026 or specific annual performance.
| Country | Cumulative FDI (Apr 2000 – Sept 2025) | Recent Performance (FY 2024-25 / 2025-26) | Primary Sectors |
| UAE | $19.85 Billion | ~$3.1B in FY 24-25; surged in early 2026. | Renewable Energy, Ports, Real Estate. |
| Netherlands | $53.40 Billion | Consistent Top-4 investor; ~$6.5B in 2024-25. | Services, Computer Software, Pharma. |
| Italy | $3.66 Billion | Over €500M ($540M) in first half of 2025. | Automobiles (30%), Industrial Machinery. |
| Sweden | $2.45 Billion | Focus on manufacturing and R&D centers. | Telecommunications, Auto Components. |
| Denmark | $1.85 Billion | Heavily concentrated in green energy. | Wind Energy, Maritime, Shipping. |
| Norway | $1.20 Billion | Significant growth via Sovereign Wealth Fund. | Infrastructure, Clean Tech. |
| Finland | $0.95 Billion | Focused on telecommunications (Nokia). | IT, Telecommunications, Electronics. |
| Iceland | $0.04 Billion | Minimal direct equity. | Geothermal Energy, Food Processing. |
FII/FPI (Foreign Institutional Investment)
Institutional investment (stocks/bonds) is more volatile, but current data from NSDL and RBI indicates the following trends for 2025-26:
- Netherlands: Remains a global hub for FPI routing into India, often ranking in the Top 5 for Assets Under Custody (AUC), with holdings exceeding $45 Billion.
- UAE: Has moved into the Top 10 FPI sources due to increased participation from Sovereign Wealth Funds (like ADIA and Mubadala).
- Nordic Countries: Collectively, Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) remains one of the largest single institutional holders of Indian equities, with an estimated exposure of over $12 Billion in 2025.
Outward FDI (Indian Investment Abroad)
Indian companies have become increasingly aggressive in investing in these regions, particularly in the UAE and the Netherlands.
- UAE: One of the top destinations for Indian Outward FDI (OFDI). In FY 2024-25, Indian firms invested roughly $4.2 Billion in the UAE, primarily in retail, hospitality, and tech startups.
- The Netherlands: Frequently used as a base for Indian European headquarters. Investment from India to the Netherlands totaled approximately $3.8 Billion in 2024-25, mostly in the pharma and chemical sectors.
- Norway & Denmark: Indian investments are smaller but strategic, focusing on acquiring green-tech firms and maritime startups, estimated at $250 Million collectively in 2025.
- Italy: Indian firms (particularly in the steel and automotive sectors like Tata and Mahindra) have a steady presence, with annual reinvested earnings and new capital estimated at $180 Million for 2025.
Summary of Trade Deficit vs. Investment
- UAE: India faces a merchandise trade deficit (due to oil) but receives a massive investment surplus (FDI/FPI) and high remittances.
- Netherlands: India enjoys a trade surplus and is a major investment destination, making it one of India’s most balanced economic partners.
- Nordics: The relationship is transitioning from traditional goods trade to a “Services and Investment” model, where the trade in ideas, patents, and green energy capital far exceeds physical goods.