India's share of global outward investment (FDI, mergers and acquisitions) has trebled over four years and outbound activity in 2006 alone increased by 26 per cent, 'Global

Outbound FDI Potential of Indian Companies 2007' a new study from Oxford Intelligence points out.

The report forecasts continued growth averaging 15 per cent over the next five years adding that this year will see growth of 19 per cent on activity on 2006.

North America, in particular, is expected to emerge as a 'hot spot' for Indian outward investment, with levels of activity trebling over the next five years, it says.

"Although discussion about India today tends to focus on the growing tide of foreign companies looking to establish operations in the country through direct investment, joint ventures or through outsourcing, today's Indian companies have a truly global vision and are becoming an increasingly important source of outbound investment," Michel Lemagnen, Director, Oxford Intelligence research was quoted as saying in a Press Release issued through AsiaNet.

"The removal in 2005 of key restrictions on Indian companies' ability to expand internationally triggered a sharp increase in overseas expansion. The country's top companies are now in an extremely healthy position in terms of cash, profitability and financing capacity and their potential for international investment, through both M&As and FDI, for the next few years is extremely favourable," he added.