India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.6 per cent in 2026 and 6.7 per cent in 2027, according to a new United Nations report, driven by resilient domestic consumption and strong public investment that is expected to offset the impact of higher tariffs imposed by the United States.
The ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026’ report highlighted that recent tax reforms and monetary easing measures should provide additional near-term support to the Indian economy. The UN noted that large developing economies, including China, India, and Indonesia, are likely to maintain solid growth trajectories, underpinned by domestic demand and targeted policy initiatives.
The outlook for South Asia remains comparatively strong, though regional growth is expected to moderate from an estimated 5.9 per cent in 2025 to 5.6 per cent in 2026, before rebounding to 5.9 per cent in 2027. Globally, the report cautioned that the economic environment remains clouded by trade tensions, fiscal pressures, and persistent uncertainty.
Global growth is expected to slow to 2.7 per cent in 2026, below both 2025 levels and pre-pandemic averages, as subdued investment and structural headwinds temper momentum despite easing inflation and monetary loosening. While domestic demand and policy support are boosting activity in the United States and parts of Asia, Europe is expected to face weak growth, with high debt levels and climate shocks continuing to challenge many developing economies.
Global trade performed better than anticipated in 2025, driven by early shipments ahead of rising tariffs and strong services exports. However, the report predicts slower trade growth in 2026 as temporary factors fade and trade barriers persist, with investment expected to remain subdued across most regions.
Global headline inflation is projected to decline to 3.1 per cent in 2026 from 3.4 per cent in 2025, yet high prices continue to erode real incomes, particularly for low-income households, with food, energy, and housing costs remaining significant sources of financial pressure. The UN report stressed that monetary policy alone cannot tackle persistent price pressures, emphasizing the need for better alignment of monetary, fiscal, and industrial policies to stabilize inflation, support investment, and protect vulnerable populations.
