Urgent need for policy action by India, stimulus package a step in right direction: IMF on COVID-19

WASHINGTON: There is more scope for more “urgent” policy actions in India as the economic toll from the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be “large”, a top IMF official said, noting that the fiscal stimulus package unveiled by the Government to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 is a step in the right direction.

In an interview, Vitor Gaspar, Director of Fiscal Affairs Department  of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said the balance of risks is tilted to the downside, given the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic that has halted economic activities across the world.

“India has limited fiscal space, but also a need to support the health and economic wellbeing of its citizens. In the current exceptional circumstances, the need for policy action is urgent,” Gasper said when asked about India’s fiscal strength and the impact of the COVID-19 on its economy. (AGENICES)