<h1>India's External Debt Rises 17.2% to $305.9 Billion in 2011; Debt Remains Manageable Amid Economic Growth.</h1> India's external debt stood at $305.9 billion at the end of March 2011, marking a 17.2% increase from the previous year. Despite this rise, the debt remains manageable, with an external debt to GDP ratio of 17.3% and a debt service ratio of 4.2% for 2010-11. The increase is attributed to higher commercial borrowings and short-term trade credits, reflecting strong economic growth and domestic demand. The share of commercial borrowing rose to 28.9% of total debt, indicating a maturing market economy. Long-term debt constituted 78.8% of the total, while government debt accounted for 25.6%.