New Delhi’s economic engines are roaring louder than ever. India’s GDP growth clocked in at a robust 7.8 percent during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up from 7.4 percent in the same period last year. This milestone data, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Friday, marks the debut of GDP figures based on the new base year 2022-23, replacing the outdated 2011-12 benchmark.
The numbers paint a picture of resilience and acceleration. Nominal GDP growth hit 8.9 percent, while real gross value added (GVA) expanded by 7.8 percent and nominal GVA by 8.2 percent in the October-December quarter. Manufacturing led the charge with a stellar 13.3 percent GVA growth, underscoring the sector’s post-pandemic rebound.
Trade, hotels, transport, communication, services, and broadcasting followed closely at 11 percent, with financial services, real estate, IT, and professional services not far behind at 11.2 percent. Sectoral shares in nominal GVA showed the tertiary sector dominating at 52.9 percent, secondary at 24.8 percent, and primary at 22.3 percent.
Looking ahead, the ministry’s second advance estimate for FY26 projects overall GDP growth at 7.6 percent, surpassing FY25’s 7.1 percent. Nominal GDP is expected to rise 8.6 percent, with real GVA at 7.7 percent and nominal GVA at 8.7 percent. These figures signal India’s positioning as a global growth powerhouse amid geopolitical headwinds, bolstered by domestic consumption and investment revival.
Economists hail this as validation of structural reforms, though challenges like inflation and global trade tensions loom. As India eyes a $5 trillion economy, this quarter’s performance sets an optimistic tone for policymakers and investors alike.