France's debt trouble and a lopsided world economy: lessons for India (opens the source in a new tab)
- A Mint editorial traces France's student protests to fiscal strain: debt near 120% of GDP, a deficit above 5%, and a pension bill governments failed to rein in, as borrowing costs rise worldwide.
- A Mint analysis of IMF data finds growth concentrated: 32 economies supplied over 95% of global growth in 2026, with China, India and the US together giving nearly 60%.
- It argues AI investment is offsetting the drag from the West Asia war and costly oil, but warns India, a net debtor, needs a stronger current account to stay resilient.
- ~120%
- France's debt to GDP
- 32
- economies giving 95%+ of growth
- ~60%
- from China, India and the US
Why it matters India's lower deficit and debt look prudent next to France, but its reliance on foreign capital means discipline at home is its best shield against shocks from abroad.
Other side Debt ratios alone can mislead: a faster-growing economy can carry more borrowing, and street protests usually have many causes beyond the budget.