New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) On Friday, economists celebrated India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 8.2 percent for the second quarter (Q2 FY26), marking a six-quarter peak, as it exceeded forecasts for the second time in a row despite global challenges and tariff worries.

For the second consecutive quarter, India’s GDP growth significantly surpassed expectations, registering a six-quarter high of 8.2 percent in Q2 FY2026, reflecting an acceleration from the 7.8 percent growth recorded in Q1 FY2026, contrary to widespread market anticipation of a slight slowdown, noted Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA.

The notable surprise in Q2’s GDP growth was primarily fueled by the services sector, while both agriculture and industrial sectors largely performed as predicted.

Analysts expressed surprise at the 9.7 percent growth in the public administration, defense, and other services segment in Q2 FY26.

Madhavi Arora, Chief Economist at Emkay Global Financial Services, highlighted that the resilient performance was driven by monetary and regulatory easing alongside a limited impact from trade restrictions imposed by the US on Indian exports.

“Growth has dramatically exceeded expectations at 8.2 percent, influenced by statistically favorable deflator effects, delayed impacts of monetary and regulatory easing, and minimal damage to India’s exports,” Arora explained.

Many of these factors are expected to carry over into the third quarter, combined with an uptick in consumer demand, suggesting FY26 GDP will comfortably align with a 7 percent projection, she added.

Data from the Ministry of Statistics indicated that GDP growth accelerated to a robust 8.2 percent in the July-September period of the current financial year, compared to 5.6 percent during the same quarter of FY 2024-25.

The secondary and tertiary sectors, achieving growth rates of 8.1 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively, have propelled the real GDP growth rate in Q2 FY 2025-26 to surpass 8 percent, as stated in an official announcement.

The manufacturing sector demonstrated a strong growth rate of 9.1 percent, while the construction segment expanded by 7.2 percent in the secondary sector during the quarter.

Mahendra Patil, Founder and Managing Partner at MP Financial Advisory Services, commented that India's Q2 GDP growth unmistakably reinforces the economy's strong foundational momentum amid global uncertainties.

“The significant increase in manufacturing at 9.1 percent and the relentless strength in financial and professional services at 10.2 percent highlight that India’s growth engines are diverse and structurally improving. Notably, private consumption has risen to 7.9 percent, indicating robust demand conditions. Overall, this data reinforces confidence that India remains firmly on a high-growth trajectory, bolstered by strong domestic fundamentals and sustained investment activity,” Patil stated.