The liquidity drought may be deliberate. Unlike Beijing, New Delhi has every reason to be sanguine about growth. A 7%-plus rate of economic expansion gives it breathing room to slay inflation before embarking on a fresh investment spree after the polls. Unless the Modi government surprises analysts by announcing a populist spending program in its Feb. 1 budget, the reasonable assumption is that it’s angling for an upgrade to its sovereign rating, which is perched at the lowest rung of investment grade. Meanwhile, the monetary authority is seeking to buttress its credibility as an inflation fighter.
