India’s economic outlook for 2026 has received a fresh boost from global financial experts. Goldman Sachs has raised its growth forecast for India, pointing to easing trade pressures and supportive global conditions. The revision comes after lower US tariffs on Indian exports under a proposed interim trade framework. With stable domestic demand, controlled inflation and steady policy support, India continues to stand out among major economies even as global uncertainty remains high.
Goldman Sachs Raises India 2026 Growth Forecast
- Goldman Sachs has upgraded India’s real GDP growth forecast for calendar year 2026 to 6.9%, from an earlier estimate of 6.7%.
- The revision reflects reduced trade headwinds following tariff relief announced by the United States.
- According to the report, lower export duties will support manufacturing, exports and overall economic momentum.
- The move underlines growing global confidence in India’s macroeconomic stability, even as many economies face slowdown risks due to geopolitical and trade-related uncertainties.
Role of Lower US Tariffs in Growth Upgrade
- The growth upgrade is closely linked to reduced US tariffs on Indian exports.
- India and the US issued a joint statement outlining a framework for an interim trade agreement focused on “reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.”
- This includes sector-specific tariff cuts and the rollback of an additional 25% levy linked to India’s Russian oil purchases.
- Goldman Sachs noted that these measures ease pressure on exporters, improve competitiveness and directly support India’s GDP growth outlook for 2026.
Impact on Current Account and Rupee Stability
- Goldman Sachs has also lowered its estimate of India’s current account deficit to 0.8% of GDP for 2026, down by about 0.25 percentage points.
- Lower tariffs reduce import-export imbalances and support external stability.
- The report noted that the Indian rupee has performed well among emerging market currencies recently. However, it cautioned that further sharp appreciation may be limited as any rise in capital inflows could be offset by RBI interventions and reserve accumulation.
Monetary Policy Outlook and RBI’s Stance
- According to Goldman Sachs, India’s monetary easing cycle has largely concluded.
- The Reserve Bank of India is expected to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, as downside risks to growth have reduced.
- Stable inflation, improved external conditions and strong domestic demand allow the RBI to maintain a cautious but steady policy stance.
- This stability supports investor confidence and long-term economic planning.
How This Compares with Other Growth Projections
- India’s growth outlook remains strong compared to global peers.
- The Economic Survey of India projects growth of 6.8–7.2% in FY27, while Moody’s estimates India’s GDP growth at 6.4%, the fastest among G20 nations.
- These projections highlight India’s resilience, supported by consumption, investment and manufacturing recovery, even amid global economic uncertainty.
Question
Q. Who raised India’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 6.9%?
A. IMF
B. World Bank
C. Goldman Sachs
D. Moody’s