Abstract
PurposeThis study presents time-series data estimations on the association between the indicators of institutional environment and inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in India utilizing a comprehensive data set from 1996 to 2021.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (NARDL) model. The asymmetric ARDL framework evaluates the existence of cointegration among the factors under study and highlights the underlying nonlinear effects that may exist in the long and short run.FindingsThe significance of coefficients of negative shock to “control of corruption” and positive shock to “rule of law” is greater when compared to “government effectiveness, regulatory quality, political stability/absence of violence.” The empirical outcomes suggest the positive influence of rule of law, political stability and government effectiveness on FDI inflows. A high “regulatory quality” is observed to deter foreign investment. The “voice and accountability” index and negative shocks to the “rule of law” are exhibited to have no substantial impact on the amount of FDI that the country receives.Originality/valueThis study empirically examines the institutional determinants of FDI in India for a comprehensive period of 1996–2021. The study's findings imply that quality of the institutional environment has a significant bearing on India's inward FDI.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2023-0375