Moody’s Projects India to Lead G20 GDP Growth with 6.5% Expansion in FY26
Team Finance Saathi
02/Apr/2025

What's Covered Under the Article:
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Moody’s forecasts India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in FY26, the highest among G20 nations.
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Government tax reforms and RBI’s monetary easing are key drivers of India’s growth.
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India’s economic resilience and low external vulnerability make it attractive for investors.
India is set to record the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth among advanced and emerging G20 economies, according to Moody’s latest projections. The global ratings agency forecasts India’s GDP to expand by 6.5% in FY26, reflecting the country’s strong domestic demand, fiscal reforms, and accommodative monetary policies.
The growth momentum is fueled by various structural and policy-driven factors, including:
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Government tax reforms that enhance revenue collection and economic efficiency.
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Monetary policy easing by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to support economic expansion.
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Strong consumer demand driven by rising incomes and urbanization.
In comparison, China’s growth is expected to be driven by exports and high-tech investments, but it faces challenges in boosting domestic consumption. Meanwhile, other emerging markets like Argentina and Colombia struggle with high foreign currency-denominated debt, making them more vulnerable to global economic shocks.
Monetary Policy and Interest Rate Adjustments
To sustain economic growth, RBI has implemented key monetary policy measures, including:
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A 25-basis-point interest rate cut in February 2025, bringing the repo rate down to 6.25%.
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Further interest rate reductions expected in April 2025, aimed at stimulating investment and consumption.
These moves are designed to ease borrowing costs, encourage business expansion, and sustain economic momentum.
Inflation Moderation and Fiscal Policy Reforms
Despite global inflationary pressures, India is projected to maintain a stable inflation rate:
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Inflation is expected to average 4.5% in FY26, lower than 4.9% in FY25.
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RBI’s policy adjustments have helped contain inflation while supporting growth.
In addition to monetary measures, the government has introduced significant tax relief, including:
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Raising the income tax rebate limit from Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh (US$ 14,014.38), which offers Rs. 1,00,000 crore (US$ 11.68 billion) in relief to the middle class.
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Boosting disposable income, which in turn enhances consumer spending and investment levels.
India’s Economic Resilience and Global Positioning
India’s economic fundamentals remain strong, making it an attractive destination for global capital and investments. Some key advantages include:
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Deep capital markets that provide stable investment opportunities.
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A large domestic economy that reduces dependence on external markets.
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Robust foreign exchange reserves, ensuring financial stability.
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Moderate policy credibility, which enhances investor confidence.
Comparing India’s Growth with Global Counterparts
1. India vs. China
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India’s growth is driven by domestic consumption, while China relies more on exports and high-tech sectors.
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India has lower external vulnerability, making it less exposed to global economic fluctuations.
2. India vs. Other Emerging Markets
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Brazil and India are in a stronger position than Argentina and Colombia, which struggle with foreign currency-denominated debt risks.
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India’s stable macroeconomic policies provide a shield against global economic downturns.
Challenges and Future Growth Prospects
While India’s growth outlook is highly positive, Moody’s also highlights some challenges:
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Global trade fluctuations and U.S. policy shifts may impact emerging markets, including India.
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Geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions could create economic uncertainties.
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Ensuring sustainable inflation control while maintaining economic expansion remains a key challenge.
Conclusion
With a projected GDP growth rate of 6.5% in FY26, India is well-positioned to lead the G20 in economic expansion. Government tax reforms, RBI’s monetary policies, and strong domestic demand are the primary growth drivers. Additionally, India’s economic resilience, stable capital markets, and deep foreign exchange reserves make it a preferred destination for global investors.
As India continues on its growth trajectory, policy measures will play a crucial role in ensuring macroeconomic stability and sustaining long-term expansion.
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