What is India's projected GDP growth rate for 2025-26?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) The real GDP growth rate of India has been estimated at 7.4 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26, an increase from 6.5 per cent in 2024-25, as per the preliminary estimates released by the Ministry of Statistics on Wednesday.
The impressive growth in the services sector is a key factor, with a strong growth of 9.9 per cent at constant prices in FY 2025-26 for sectors such as financial services, real estate, professional services, and public administration.
Moreover, the sectors of trade, hotels, transport, and communication, including broadcasting services, are projected to grow by 7.5 per cent, according to the official statement.
The manufacturing and construction sectors in the secondary category are anticipated to see a growth rate of 7 per cent, while the agricultural sector is expected to grow at 3.1 per cent.
Real Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is projected to achieve a growth rate of 7 per cent during FY 2025-26, supported by income tax exemptions announced in the budget for 2025-26 and subsequent GST reductions across various goods and services.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) is estimated to experience a growth rate of 7.8 per cent at constant prices for FY 2025-26, compared to 7.1 per cent in the previous fiscal year.
India's GDP growth surged to an impressive 8.2 per cent in the second quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year, compared to 5.6 per cent in the same quarter of FY 2024-25, as revealed by the November figures.
The growth rates in the secondary and tertiary sectors stood at 8.1 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively, contributing to a real GDP growth rate exceeding 8 per cent in Q2 of FY 2025-26, according to the official report.
Within the secondary sector, the manufacturing sector achieved a remarkable growth rate of 9.1 per cent, while construction grew by 7.2 per cent.
The financial, real estate, and professional services in the tertiary sector experienced a significant increase of 10.2 per cent in Q2 of FY 2025-26.
Meanwhile, the agriculture and allied sectors recorded a growth of 3.5 per cent, with the electricity, gas, water supply, and other utility services sectors growing by 4.4 per cent during the second quarter.
Real PFCE surged by 7.9 per cent in Q2 of FY 2025-26 in comparison to 6.4 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year, indicating the rise in incomes and employment opportunities in the economy.
The acceleration in growth during the second quarter builds on a strong growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter (April-June) of the current fiscal year.
The overall real GDP growth rate stands at an impressive 8 per cent for the first half (April-September) of FY 2025-26, compared to 6.1 per cent in H1 of FY 2024-25, according to the data.
The data reinforces India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, despite global challenges such as US tariff increases.
The IMF has predicted that India will be the only major economy to achieve a growth rate exceeding 6 per cent in 2025-26, as global trade and economic growth face disruptions from the US tariff situation.