India’s economy is poised for a strong rebound with third-quarter GDP growth estimated at 8.3 percent for FY26, according to a detailed analysis from Union Bank of India. The key driver? A consumption boom sparked by GST rate reductions, counterbalancing the drag from last year’s elevated base.
GVA is projected to expand by 8 percent, surpassing the 6.5 percent from Q3 last fiscal but trailing Q2’s 8.1 percent slightly. The report highlights: ‘February 27’s Q3 GDP data could show 8.3 percent growth, dwarfing the prior year’s 6.4 percent.’
On the nominal front, growth may ease to 8.5 percent from Q2’s 8.7 percent and last year’s 10.3 percent, attributed to lower inflation pulling down the GDP deflator. Projections stick to legacy base year calculations pending MoSPI’s updates on the new series.
FY26’s growth trajectory holds firm, with FY27 off to a promising start, though base year shifts will necessitate forecast tweaks. Friday’s data release will adopt 2022-23 as the new base, enhancing accuracy through better data from private firms and MSMEs.
Government efforts to refine GDP metrics signal a maturing statistical framework, vital for policymaking. As GST reforms continue to stimulate demand, India’s GDP story remains one of optimism, potentially outpacing global peers.