Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have declined 26 per cent to $1.70 billion in April — the lowest in the last five months, according to the data of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

In April 2013, the country had received FDI inflows worth $2.32 billion.

Among the top 10 sectors, pharmaceuticals received the lowest FDI in April at $one million against $987 million in April 2013.

Sectors, which registered growth in FDI, include services ($382 million), hotel and tourism ($109 million), metallurgical industries ($72 million), and construction ($69 million), the data said.

The lowest FDI received was in December when it was $1.10 billion.

During the month under review, India received maximum FDI from Mauritius at $489 million, followed by Singapore ($316 million), Japan ($214 million), the Netherlands ($101 million) and the UK ($43 million).

Overall, the inflows had aggregated $24.29 billion in 2013-14 against $22.42 billion in 2012-13.

India would require around $1 trillion in the next five years to overhaul its infrastructure sector, including ports, airports and highways to boost growth.

Decline in foreign investments could put pressure on the country’s balance of payments and may also impact the value of the rupee.

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