India's foreign direct investment inflows during the calendar year 2002 increased by a mere 3.5 per cent at $4.43 billion despite the government's continued efforts to liberalise the economy.

Official sources told PTI in New Delhi that as per data compiled by the industry ministry, total FDI inflows during January-December 2002 was pegged at $4.43 billion compared to $4.28 billion in 2001.

In rupee terms, the FDI inflows registered over 10 per cent increase at Rs 21,285.97 crore (Rs 212.86 billion) in 2002 compared to 19265.10 crore the previous year.

Total FDI inflows of the calendar year 2002 also includes an amount of $208.34 million as control premium paid to the government of India by Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan.

The amount was paid by Suzuki towards shares issued by them on renouncing of rights by the government in the joint venture car company Maruti Udyog Ltd.

During the month of December, India garnered FDI inflows worth $666.3 million compared to $463.2 million the previous year.

The FDI inflows during the month include an amount of $82.5 million received by Bharti Televentures under private placement made with the approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.