Indian economy may grow at a rate of more than 6 per cent during financial year 2013-14, World Bank Chief Jim Young Kim said.

Mr. Kim, who is on three-day visit to India, said that Indian economy was impacted by slowdown in the global economy, but the economy would return to higher levels of growth next year.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "We think India is going to grow by six per cent next year and we hope for more increase in future."

Mr. Kim was speaking to reports after his meeting with Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.

World Bank extended loans of nearly $25.5 billion to India between 2009 and 2013. The huge figure includes $5.2 billion from the International Finance Corp, $12 billion from the International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, and $8.3 billion from the International Development Association.

Mr. Kim admitted that the growth rate of 5 per cent in the current year was somewhat disappointing, but added that he was very encouraged and impressed by the steps taken by Mr. Chidambaram to boost economic growth.

Indian economy grew at a rate of 4.5 per cent in the October to December quarter of the current financial year. In the full year, the economy is expected to grow at a rate of 5 per cent - the lowest in nearly a decade.

However, the government has projected a growth rate of 6.1 per cent to 6.7 per cent for the FY2013-14.