Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

12 Jan 2026 CW Team

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.”

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.”

Infrastructure Energy

18 Feb 2026

Larsen & Toubro To Divest Nabha Power To Torrent Power

Larsen & Toubro Limited, hereafter L&T, has agreed to divest its entire stake in Nabha Power Limited to Torrent Power Limited, with the companies announcing the transaction. The deal will transfer ownership of the thermal power project and associated assets to Torrent Power as part of L&T's portfolio rationalisation. L&T is a US dollar 30 bn Indian multinational engaged in engineering, procurement and construction projects, hi-tech manufacturing and services across multiple geographies. The company attributes its market position to a strong customer-focused approach and sustained quality over ..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Feb 2026

Centre Approves Road Projects Worth Over Rs110 bn

The central government has approved road projects worth over Rs110 bn across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The approvals follow a cabinet committee decision and are intended to improve connectivity and reduce travel times on key corridors. The package covers multiple stretches of national highways and involves both construction and widening works. In Gujarat, the ministry approved construction of four-lane sections on the Dhamasiya-Bitada/Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha stretches at a combined capital cost of about Rs45.84 bn. The prin..

Infrastructure Urban

18 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, opening a national platform for Artificial Intelligence (AI) demonstration and dialogue. The event brought together innovators, researchers and technology enthusiasts from across the country and abroad to showcase applications and research. The inauguration underscored the government’s intent to position India as a significant contributor to global AI development. The prime minister noted in a post on X that being among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts offered a clear view of t..