New research shows many Indians are unaffected by the recession and two-thirds say they plan to maintain spending levels over the next 12 months.

A study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) reports that 66 per cent of Indians will not reduce their expenditure and the rest intend to ease their spending by around ten per cent.

The impact will be felt more in categories such as clothing and cosmetics, travel, leisure and entertainment, says Abheek Singhi, a partner and director of BCG India.

Less affected will be the mobile and telecoms sector, healthcare, education and fresh food. Also, most sub-categories in FMCG, including detergents and soaps, should see revenue levels remain constant over the next year.

The report suggests this is largely due to strong spending levels in rural areas, which account for 50 per cent of category revenues, and house many Indians that have so far been  unaffected by the downturn.