``Given Templeton's experience in other emerging markets across the world, we are extremely bullish on India and have drawn up plans to expand our operations in India substantially,'' said Forester. The assets under management of Templeton Asset Management in India has crossed the Rs 500-crore market, registering a growth of 99 per cent over March 31, 1999, according to a press release.

The Templeton India Growth Fund has given a return of 152.85 per cent in the last three months. An open-end fund with the objective of long-term capital appreciation, the fund has provided a return of over 25 per cent in 12 months as of July 30, 1999.

Templeton India Income Fund, Templeton India Liquid Fundand Templeton India Government Securites are among the other funds managed by Templeton. Templeton's India operators are a part of the Franklin Templeton Group, which manages over $ 228 billion assets through 233 funds worldwide.