Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.

According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towards technology-driven value creation. A strong semiconductor project pipeline is expected to accelerate this shift from 2026, with Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities emerging as investment magnets and talent hubs—an evolution reflected in Dun & Bradstreet’s City Vitality Index.

The report identifies several emerging growth frontiers, including tourism, the blue economy, quick commerce and the silver economy. Tourism is highlighted as a strategic lever, with travel preferences increasingly shifting towards wellness, spiritual and experiential offerings. Spiritual tourism already accounts for nearly 60 per cent of domestic trips and is expected to expand further, supported by initiatives such as the Digital Tourism Mission and growing MICE infrastructure in metros and smaller cities.

India’s digital economy is projected to grow almost twice as fast as the overall economy, contributing close to 20 per cent of gross value added by 2030. Increased adoption of artificial intelligence across BFSI, manufacturing and healthcare could add up to $600 billion to GDP over the next decade. Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad are emerging as major data centre hubs, strengthening India’s digital infrastructure credentials.

The outlook also points to rapid expansion in quick commerce and drone-led logistics, driven by the expected rollout of BVLOS regulations, alongside growing opportunities in senior care and green maritime infrastructure.

Commenting on the findings, Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, “India’s 2026 outlook marks a turning point. With macro stability as a foundation, the focus must now shift to disciplined execution to convert stability into sustainable transformation.”