The document discusses the significance of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a primary source of external finance for developing countries, particularly India and China. It highlights the decline in official development assistance and commercial bank lending, leading to increased reliance on FDI, which is noted for its stability and potential to support long-term economic growth. The paper concludes that while China primarily depends on FDI and debt for financing, India relies on workers' remittances, demonstrating the contrasting external financing structures of the two countries.