India's industrial production grew by 4.9% in April 2026, marking a significant uptick in the country's manufacturing sector, which expanded by 6.2%. This growth is part of the first release of the revised Index of Industrial Production (IIP) series, which now uses a base year of 2022-23 to better capture the current economic structure.
Revised IIP Series
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the new IIP series, replacing the previous 2011-12 base year. This revision expands the index's coverage to include 463 item groups, up from 407, and introduces separate indices for renewable and non-renewable electricity generation.
"The revised series aims to provide a more representative and comprehensive measure of industrial activity in line with evolving production patterns and international best practices," said a MoSPI spokesperson.
Sectoral Performance
Within the manufacturing sector, 17 out of 23 industry groups posted positive growth. Notable contributors included:
- Motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers: 12.7% growth
- Electrical equipment: 19.2% growth
- Machinery and equipment: 12.9% growth
The Capital Goods sector saw a remarkable surge of 16%, while Intermediate Goods and Infrastructure/Construction Goods grew by 7.7% and 7.1%, respectively.
Comparative Data
| Sector | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 6.2 |
| Electricity & Gas Supply | 4.9 |
| Water Supply & Waste Mgmt | 6.6 |
| Mining & Quarrying | -5.1 |
Future Outlook
The IIP data for May 2026 is scheduled for release on June 29, which will provide further insights into the industrial sector's trajectory.
The new IIP series is expected to offer a more accurate reflection of India's industrial landscape, aiding policymakers and industry leaders in making informed decisions.
