Could India’s GDP Growth Hit 7.5% in FY26?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's GDP growth forecast for FY26 is 7.5%.
- Key economic factors include low inflation and interest rates.
- Potential US-India trade deal may enhance growth prospects.
- Current account deficit expected at 1% of GDP.
- Global growth remains below pre-pandemic averages.
New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) The GDP growth of India is projected to reach 7.5 percent in FY26, with an anticipated 7 percent growth for FY27, according to a recent report released on Monday. The report further indicates that the nominal GDP growth for this fiscal year could be 8.3 percent.
The analysis from CareEdge Ratings highlights that the robust growth in FY27 is likely bolstered by a potential trade agreement between the US and India, along with low inflation, low interest rates, and tax relief measures.
Additionally, an optimistic outlook for capital expenditure, showcased by strong order books from capital goods companies, is favorable for the investment climate in the economy.
The report notes that factors such as vigorous agricultural activities, a lighter income tax burden, the rationalization of GST rates, rate cuts from the RBI, festive demand, and the pre-emptive boosting of exports contributed to growth in the first half of FY26.
However, it anticipates that GDP growth will taper to around 7 percent in the second half as the effects of pre-emptive export boosts diminish and consumer demand cools following the festival season.
By the fourth quarter of FY26, the impact of a low base will decrease, and the deflator is expected to rise from its current low levels.
The forecast includes a prediction of CPI inflation averaging 2.1 percent in FY26, increasing to 4 percent in FY27, while the wholesale price index is expected to remain stable in FY26 and grow by 2.5 percent in FY27.
The current account deficit is projected to stay around 1 percent of GDP, with indications that the government may slow down on fiscal consolidation, resulting in a fiscal deficit to GDP ratio likely to be budgeted at approximately 4.2-4.3 percent in FY27.
Globally, growth is estimated to average 3.1 percent over the next five years, remaining below the pre-pandemic average of 3.7 percent, as noted in the report.
Over the next five years, growth rates in the US, UK, and Euro Area are expected to be slightly below their historical averages, while China's growth is predicted to fall short of its historical average by about 3 percentage points.