Bangalore: In first decline in five years, the number of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) registered in India has dipped to 1,755 this year, although their investments have grown sharply.

As per data available with market regulator Sebi, the total number of registered FIIs stood at 1,755 as on December 21, as against 1,767 at the end of 2011.

The number of FIIs has been rising continuously since the end of 2007, when there were a total of 1,219 registered FIIs in the country. At the end of 2010, there were 1,718 registered FIIs, while at the end of the previous year the number was 1,700 and 1,594 in 2008-end.

However, the number of FII sub-accounts has risen to 6,350, from 6,278 at the end of 2011. The sub-accounts include foreign firms, individuals and institutions on whose behalf FIIs make those investments. The rate of growth in their numbers has, however, grown at a slower pace in 2012.

On the net investment side, FIIs have so far pumped in $23.5 billion into stocks - the second highest figure since the foreign investors were allowed entry into Indian capital markets in 1992.

As far as debt is concerned, FIIs have invested $6.4 billion in 2012, with just a week remaining.