India’s industrial production recorded a modest recovery in January 2026, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rising 4.8 per cent year-on-year. The growth was lower than the revised 7.8 per cent expansion in December 2025, indicating a moderation in industrial momentum at the start of the year. The quick estimate of the general IIP stood at 169.4 in January 2026, compared with 161.6 in the same month a year earlier.
Overall IIP Performance
The IIP is a key short-term indicator of industrial activity in India. It tracks output across mining, manufacturing and electricity. In January 2026, all three major sectors posted positive growth. Manufacturing grew by 4.8 per cent, electricity by 5.1 per cent and mining by 4.3 per cent.
Manufacturing Sector Trends
Manufacturing remained the main driver of industrial growth. Out of 23 industry groups at the two-digit National Industrial Classification level, 14 recorded positive growth. The strongest contributors were:
- Basic metals, which grew by 13.2 per cent.
- Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, which grew by 10.9 per cent.
- Other non-metallic mineral products, which rose by 9.9 per cent.
Higher output of alloy steel products, mild steel coils, cement and stone chips supported this expansion.
Use-Based Industrial Growth
The use-based classification showed strong performance in infrastructure-linked segments. Infrastructure and construction goods rose by 13.7 per cent, reflecting continued demand in core sectors. Intermediate goods expanded by 6.0 per cent, while consumer durables increased by 6.3 per cent. However, consumer non-durables contracted by 2.7 per cent, showing weakness in everyday consumption demand.
Revision and Next Release
The January 2026 figures are quick estimates and may change when more source data becomes available. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation also revised the December 2025 indices based on updated inputs from reporting units. The next IIP release, covering February 2026, is scheduled for 30 March.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026