India’s Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) recorded a growth of 3.7 per cent in December 2025 compared to the same month last year, driven by strong performance in cement, steel, electricity, fertilisers and coal. Cement production rose sharply by 13.5 per cent, while steel output increased by 6.9 per cent, reflecting sustained demand from infrastructure and construction activities.

Electricity generation grew by 5.3 per cent and fertiliser production increased by 4.1 per cent, while coal output expanded by 3.6 per cent. However, crude oil and natural gas production declined by 5.6 per cent and 4.4 per cent, respectively, and refinery products saw a marginal fall of 1.0 per cent.

The cumulative growth of the eight core industries during April–December 2025–26 stood at 2.6 per cent. The core sector accounts for over 40 per cent of the Index of Industrial Production, making it a key indicator of overall industrial performance.