Page 6 - Indian Economy

Cut imports, boost exports to become 3rd-largest economy: Gadkari

India will have to reduce imports and increase exports, if it wants to become the third-largest economy in the world, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Speaking at 'CSIR's Technology Transfer Ceremony', Gadkari highlighted how agricultural waste can be converted into a valuable national resource and help in reducing the country's crude imports. The road transport and highways minister noted that the use of bio-bitumen, a petroleum-free component, in road construction is a transformative step towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. "By utilising agro-waste, it reduces pollution caused by crop burning and strengthens the circular economy. "With 15 per cent blending, India can save nearly USD 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and substantially reduce its dependence on imported crude oil," Gadkari said. The minister said that India, which is the fourth largest economy in the world, will have to reduce its imports and increase exports to become the third-largest. "If the

India's economy to grow 7.4% in FY26, first advance estimates show

The projection formed part of India's first advance estimate of gross domestic product (GDP), which is subject to revisions as data coverage improves

First FY26 GDP advance estimates on Wednesday; growth seen at 7.4% or above

The First Advance Estimates provide the earliest projection of annual economic growth by the statistics ministry and forms the base for key FY27 Budget calculations

Ind-Ra sees 'Goldilocks' FY27 as domestic reforms offset tariff risks

External demand is expected to fare better in FY27 than in FY26, aided by recently concluded trade agreements with the UK, New Zealand and Oman, and the prospect of a US trade deal later in the fiscal

India's service sector growth plunges to 11-month low in December

The HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers' index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, fell to 58 in December from 59.8 in November

India's GDP to grow 6.9% in FY27, goldilocks situation to persist: Ind-Ra

India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) on Tuesday projected Indian economy to grow at 6.9 per cent in the 2026-27 fiscal year beginning April 1 saying key reforms like GST and income tax cuts, and trade pacts will act as economic catalyst and shield economy from global turbulence. The economy will continue to be in 'Goldilocks' situation of high growth and retail inflation averaging 3.8 per cent in the next fiscal as well, and Indo-US trade deal with reduced tariffs will add to the GDP growth numbers, said Ind-Ra, Chief Economist, Devendra Kumar Pant. For the current fiscal, Ind-Ra projected real GDP growth at 7.4 per cent, while nominal GDP expansion at 9 per cent. Ind-Ra expects the Indian Rupee to average 92.26 to a dollar in FY27, higher than 88.64 to a dollar in the current fiscal. The Union government's debt as a percentage of GDP is projected to come down to 55.5 per cent in FY27, from an estimated 56.3 per cent in the current fiscal. The government estimates to bring down debt

Govt likely to retain 4% inflation target for RBI, seeks feedback

The Reserve Bank of India currently aims to keep inflation anchored around 4%, the mid-point of a 2%-6% range mandated by the government

US tariffs, shifting metrics and the risks facing India's economy in 2026

As the US disrupts global trade and India pushes major trade deals, 2026 will test whether reforms, new economic measures and shifting geopolitics can sustain India's growth momentum

Goldilocks phase, reforms glide path to spur Indian economy in 2026

India, the world's fourth largest economy, is set to maintain the 'goldilocks' phase with tailwinds of good growth, low inflation and robust banking performance as well as reform initiatives poised to sustain the economic pace witnessed during 2025. Propelling the themes of ease of living and ease of doing business, the BJP-led Union government's next Budget is expected to unveil new measures to spur capital expenditure and private funding, making the country a more attractive investment destination amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainties. Real GDP growth accelerated through successive quarters, reaching 8.2 per cent in Q2 of 2025-26, while retail inflation slipped below the Reserve Bank's lower tolerance band of 2 per cent towards the close of the year. A government note said that, with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion, India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy and is poised to displace Germany from the third-largest rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years, with a

Pre-Budget meeting: Reforms to stay on top of agenda, signals PM Modi

Ahead of the Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told economists that policymaking must stay aligned with India's 2047 vision, calling for mission-mode reforms and long-term growth focus

India's banks are healthier, but the next stress point is already visible

While banking is stable and resilient, it needs to evolve and adjust to the changing dynamics of the Indian financial system

India's EV penetration hinges on securing raw materials, key components

Rapid EV adoption has lifted sales, but India's dependence on imported minerals and components exposes deep supply chain vulnerabilities that could slow the electric mobility transition

Blinkit, Zomato tailor quick-commerce for India's tier-2, tier-3 cities

Rising incomes, cheap smartphones and data, and improved roads have begun knitting smaller cities and industrial hubs into the national economy

Centre may set 54.5-55% debt-to-GDP goal for FY27 in Union Budget

While future Budgets will continue to specify annual fiscal deficit numbers, these will now be derived from the debt target rather than serving as the primary target

Yearender 2025: The economy sailed through, but the waters are uncertain

Real GDP growth surprised on the upside in 2025, but weaker nominal growth, trade uncertainty, and soft demand signal a bumpier road ahead

India in talks with US to join Pax Silica silicon supply chain block

After being left out initially, India is now in talks with the US to join the Pax Silica silicon supply chain initiative, with a US official signalling possible entry in early 2026 as the bloc expands

India on track to be among largest regional networks: WTCA's Wang

India is set to emerge as one of WTCA's largest regional networks, with World Trade Centers expanding to around 50 cities as demand for premium offices, logistics and new-age sectors rises

Economy may grow at 7% in FY27 despite trade tensions: CareEdge Ratings

CareEdge Ratings expects 7% growth in FY27, citing a possible US-India trade deal, low inflation and strong capex, while warning US tariffs could weigh on goods exports

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates, add double deflation

India's revamped GDP series will use richer data and double deflation to better capture the informal economy, address IMF concerns and improve accuracy from 2026

China's growth shows why government support should be aimed at new starters

China's growth highlights the need for India to shift policy support towards new firms, boost manufacturing, R&D spending, and empower states and cities to drive entrepreneurship and competitiveness