India's Growth Set to Surpass China Amid Slowed Development in Asia-Pacific, Says ADB
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) India is poised to surpass both the wider Asian landscape and China as growth in developing Asia and the Pacific is anticipated to decelerate in the upcoming two years due to geopolitical challenges, as per a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released on Friday.
The ADB's report reveals that economic expansion in developing Asia and the Pacific is expected to drop to 5.1 percent in 2026 and 2027, down from 5.4 percent last year, impacted by geopolitical tensions and ongoing trade uncertainties.
In stark contrast, India's growth is projected to remain strong at 6.9 percent in 2026, with an increase to 7.3 percent in 2027, driven by robust domestic consumption.
The report emphasized that, "Most economies within developing Asia and the Pacific are likely to see a decline in their growth forecasts this year and in 2027," which underscores India’s relative resilience.
Additionally, the ADB noted that the region is entering a period of global uncertainty from a position of strength, supported by strong domestic demand, stable labor markets, and increased public infrastructure investments. Nonetheless, risks are still leaning toward the downside.
The report indicated that growth in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is anticipated to fall to 4.6 percent this year and 4.5 percent next year, a decrease from 5 percent last year, primarily due to ongoing weaknesses in the property market and sluggish export growth.
An extended conflict in the Middle East could lead to rising energy and food prices and tighter financial conditions, representing a significant risk to the region’s outlook, according to ADB Chief Economist Albert Park.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that ongoing fluctuations in global trade policies could negatively impact growth prospects throughout the region.
Despite these hurdles, strong private consumption and a heightened demand for artificial intelligence-related products are expected to provide some support to regional economies.
Moreover, while oil prices are predicted to remain high in the short term, they may gradually stabilize if geopolitical tensions diminish.