'Hoping to achieve in 5-6 years what we've in past 165 years'

At a time when foreign banks in lndia are recalibratingtheir operations and selling off portfolios to domestic players to focus on niche areas, HSBC India is lookingto strengthen its presence across various segments, including wealth management, corporate banking, startups, and its equity and debt capital markets businesses. HITENDRA DAVE, chief executive officer (CEO) of HSBC India, spoke with Ma nojit Saha and Subrata Panda in Mumbai aboutthe London-based bank's plans for India and how it aims to capitalise on the opportunities the country has to offer. Edited excerpts:

- HITEN DRA DAVE

There have been outflows from both equity and debt markets after the US election results. When do you think this trend will reverse?

The quarterly results of most companies have been underwhelming Not only have the results been subdued, but the forward-looking commentary has also been subdued. So, it's difficult to say that Donald Trump's win in the election caused the outflows● I'm sure it triggered some thinking because if there's talk of tax cuts in the US, that would make those markets more attractive. So, there is an obvious pull factor from the broadest indicators of economic activity.

Similarly, the last trade data showed a 17 per cent increase in exports. The trade deficit was wide, but exports were up by 17 per cent, and imports were up by 2-3 per cent. So, India is currently producing data that supports both arguments.