India Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
India's debt service was 8.33% in 2025, ranked 75th globally. This represents a 20.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
India's debt service stood at 8.33% in 2025, a decline of +2.17% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.33% by 2025. India ranked 75th globally.
India's debt service burden has exhibited a mixed trajectory over the past five decades. At its peak in 1986, the country's debt service ratio reached 35.59, a level that significantly strained its fiscal resources. Conversely, the global financial crisis of 2009 led to a substantial decline, with the debt service ratio plummeting to 6.02, a level lower than that of its peer country, Lesotho, which ranked 76th globally at 8.30 in 2025. The debt service ratio has continued to fluctuate since then, reaching 8.33 in 2025, a moderate level that ranks India 75th globally. While this ratio remains relatively stable, the country's growing economy and increasing debt levels may lead to a shift in the debt service trajectory in the coming years, potentially triggering a rise in debt servicing costs if not managed prudently. If India's economic growth accelerates, it may exacerbate the debt service burden, necessitating careful fiscal management to maintain its stability.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 6.97% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.65% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.33% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.33% | −2.17% | #75 |
| 2024 | 10.49% | +0.33% | #43 |
| 2023 | 10.16% | +1.90% | #41 |
| 2022 | 8.27% | +0.46% | #37 |
| 2021 | 7.81% | −7.24% | #31 |
| 2020 | 15.05% | +6.05% | #57 |
| 2019 | 9.00% | −2.40% | #41 |
| 2018 | 11.40% | +1.31% | #54 |
| 2017 | 10.08% | −7.18% | #51 |
| 2016 | 17.26% | +6.06% | #77 |
| 2015 | 11.21% | −7.42% | #62 |
| 2014 | 18.63% | +10.55% | #93 |
| 2013 | 8.08% | +1.37% | #57 |
| 2012 | 6.71% | +0.30% | #53 |
| 2011 | 6.41% | −0.41% | #54 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's debt service was 8.33% in 2025. Ranked 75th globally. This represents a 20.7% decrease from the previous year.
India's debt service peaked at 35.59% in 1986.
The lowest debt service in India was 6.02% in 2009.
India ranks 75th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's debt service is projected to reach 8.33% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of India in 2025 was 8.33%. This ranks 75th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_debt-service,
title = {India Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}