ET NOW Markets Summit 2026: LIC MD Dinesh Pant said on Friday that diversification through multiple asset classes in portfolio construction is crucial, arguing that such strategies can help investors navigate volatile market conditions more effectively. It is the job of the investment managers or service providers to ensure that the market risks are evenly distributed and the investors do not get a sudden shock, said Dinesh Pant, MD, LIC, while speaking at the ET NOW Markets Summit 2026.
He also added that the investors should be informed well when it comes to where their money is going and the risk attached to it. “There is an important role that service providers need to ensure that their customers are well-educated by the companies, so they make a well-informed decision when it comes to investment. Customers should understand the risks and rewards of the investment. As I said, return of money is more important than return on money,” Pant said.
Talking further about the investment portfolio, he said, “Multi-asset allocation is important, it ensures that at a great level you are protected,” LIC CEO Said at ET NOW Markets Summit.
Speaking about the Indian economy, he said that its fundamentals remain resilient despite global uncertainties. Pant expressed confidence in India’s ability to sustain growth, supported by healthy cash flows, strong domestic participation, and expanding investment opportunities.
Pant pointed to the strength of India’s corporate sector and society at large as key contributors to the robust liquidity environment seen across the economy. He noted that the past year delivered exceptional results for LIC, while new investment inflows have continued to remain strong.
Stressing changing market dynamics, Pant said domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have emerged as a reliable force in Indian equities. According to him, domestic investors have consistently deployed capital into markets and have effectively balanced periods of foreign investor selling.
He also observed that market downturns have historically rewarded long-term investors, suggesting that corrections should be viewed as opportunities rather than reasons for concern. Pant reiterated LIC’s optimism about India’s economic direction, stating that the country’s growth trajectory remains firmly upward.
He further argued that current challenges facing the economy should be interpreted as opportunities that can strengthen India’s long-term development path.
Focus On Diversification
Pant said Indian markets currently offer attractive opportunities for investors looking to enter equities. At the same time, he highlighted the growing appeal of fixed-income instruments and pointed to increasing opportunities in the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) segment.
Addressing foreign capital flows, Pant stressed that overseas investments remain important for India’s infrastructure ambitions and broader economic development. While acknowledging that foreign institutional investors continue to play a significant role, he noted that India’s dependence on such inflows has reduced as domestic participation has strengthened.
