The central government on Tuesday eased foreign direct investment norms in as many as 15 sectors, including construction, defence, mining, civil aviation, pension and broadcasting. The Press Trust of India reported that 100% FDI has been allowed in Direct-to-Home television, cable network and plantation crops. The government also relaxed conditions for foreign direct investment in single-brand retail. The overseas investment limit in uplinking of news and current affairs TV channels has been raised to 49% from 26%.

The government also increased the financial power of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to give single-window clearance for investment projects from Rs 30 billion to Rs 50 billion, reported Reuters. According to government data, India got foreign direct investment worth of $19.39 billion in the April-June quarter, which is 29.5% more than that received in the same period last year.

The move comes two days after the National Democratic Alliance suffered a heavy defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections. However, the government denied that there was a link between the two. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today's reforms are another example of [the] emphasis on Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. India is unstoppable on the path of economic progress. The government wants the world to see the tremendous opportunities India [has to] offer. The government's commitment to development and reforms is unequivocal and unwavering."