For a direct indication of the premium attached to efficiently-run ports in India, one need look no further than the recent stock market listing of Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone.
Many view private equity-related funds as a better way of capturing the upside in the economy, given that stock market valuations have been swollen by three to four years of almost uninterrupted share price rises.
India has become a focus of private equity firms with deals worth more than $5.9bn this year, 50 per cent more than the total for all last year. Most of the leading firms have set up in India or are finalising plans to do so.
Praful Patel, India's reformist civil aviation minister, has helped drive the privatisation of Mumbai and 's moribund airports, overcoming initial protests by employees.
India's biggest listed developer, DLF, and Dubai's Nakheel have announced a joint venture with plans to invest more than $10bn to build two townships on 40,000 acres.
Since India eased rules governing foreign investment in property in 2005, western private equity funds and, now increasingly, the cash-rich states of the United Arab Emirates across the Arabian Sea from India, have flocked to the country.
Hollywood's first big foray into Bollywood has received a bruising reception in India with websites that track box-office sales branding it a flop.
The Indian steelmaker, which bought the Mozambique project with Australia-listed Riversdale Mining, sees the mine as essential in ensuring it has a sustainable supply of coking coal.
DLF is paying $200m for a controlling stake in Amanresorts. The deal comes at a time when Indian automotive companies Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are bidding for Ford's luxury Jaguar and Land Rover marques.
India has the world's 4th largest coal reserves, but various woes are leading to the growth of the coal-mining industry not keeping pace with the demands of the economy.
Essar has announced a $6bn expansion plan to more than triple capacity at its refinery, while Reliance, at its site a few kilometres away, is working on plans to almost double capacity.
Indian employees are estimated to have received an average salary increase of 14 per cent this year. The rate is expected to be maintained with 2008 settlements forecast to average 15 per cent. That compares with an anticipated annual inflation rate of 5.7 per cent this year and 5.4 per cent in 2008.
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