New Delhi/Hong Kong, Feb. 4 -- India's economic future is more closely aligned with Western economies than with emerging-market blocs such as BRICS, according to Trinh Nguyen, Senior Economist for Emerging Markets at Natixis. Her argument rests on the structure of trade, comparative advantage, and the basis for India's export growth.

Speaking with ANI, Nguyen noted that India's strongest growth prospects lie in deeper economic engagement with the US and Europe, regions where India already runs large trade surpluses.

"I argue that it (India) should grow where it can, but it should grow the fastest where there are the highest margins and more comparative advantage. And it lies in the West," she said.

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