Howard Marks says he is optimistic on India, lauds its 'incredibly constructive government'

Howard Marks

Oaktree Capital Management Co-Chairman Howard Marks said he is currently very optimistic on India. While speaking at the Moneycontrol Global Wealth Summit 2025, Marks said the country which has an "incredibly constructive government", will strongly benefit from the fact that people don’t feel confident in investing in China due to the rising geopolitical uncertainties.

"India has incredible opportunities and an incredibly constructive government to take the country ahead," he said.

While noting that he is no expert on the markets of India and China, the veteran American investor said China has great potential, great human resources and education, and is greatly motivated.

"If China settles on the right policies, it can continue to do well. It has to make up its mind to become socialist or encourage the private sector," he added.

Marks further said that he feels a different energy today in India, which seems very positive. He however added that India has a very large chunk of population that has to be moved into the middle class. They have to be educated with skill and be provided with jobs. The capital base has to be increased as well.

"Due to uncertain geopolitical overtones, many people have described China as uninvestable. India has benefitted from the fact that so many people see China in a lot less positive light today. I am optimistic on India, very glad to be here," Marks further said.

"The greatest luck is to be born at this time, instead of 200 years ago and have access to education," he said.

Marks described the success of him and veteran investor Warren Buffett as a "lottery" as they were  born as white males in America in the mid 20th century.

"Today you don't have to be born a white male in America to achieve success. It is not dependent on your gender, race or vocation," he said.