Islamabad (HRNW) – A comparative overview of external debt in South Asia highlights significant differences in both total foreign debt and the debt burden per citizen among the region’s major economies.
According to the circulated figures:
- India ranks first in terms of total external debt, with approximately US$765 billion. Based on the reported estimates, the average external debt burden amounts to around US$535 per citizen.
- Pakistan ranks second, with an estimated US$138 billion in external debt, translating to approximately US$530 per person.
- Bangladesh is third, with around US$102 billion in foreign debt and an estimated US$590 per capita.
- Sri Lanka has an estimated US$57 billion in external debt but carries the highest per capita debt burden among the four countries, at approximately US$2,590 per citizen.
Economists note that while total external debt provides an indication of a country’s borrowing, the sustainability of debt depends on several factors, including the size of the economy, foreign exchange reserves, export earnings, debt-servicing capacity, and population. Per capita debt figures alone do not necessarily reflect a country’s overall financial health.
Reported External Debt Comparison
| Country | Total External Debt | Estimated Debt Per Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| India | US$765 billion | US$535 |
| Pakistan | US$138 billion | US$530 |
| Bangladesh | US$102 billion | US$590 |
| Sri Lanka | US$57 billion | US$2,590 |
Important Note
The figures above are based on the data provided in the circulated report and should be interpreted as comparative estimates. External debt statistics may vary depending on the reporting period and the methodology used by international financial institutions and national authorities.
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