Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader in business decisioning data and analytics, has unveiled its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment with opportunities for transformative growth. The report emphasises that India’s next wave will be supported by new avenues of growth, where digitized logistics, trusted data, clean energy, and city vitality rewire productivity.

Key Highlights

Growth Momentum: India’s GDP is projected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, powered by strong consumer demand, and continued public investment.

Manufacturing Transformation: Manufacturing is moving beyond scale to technology-driven value creation, with a strong semiconductor pipeline expected to accelerate this shift in 2026. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will continue to emerge as investment magnets for technology firms and talent hubs, wherein semiconductor and advanced manufacturing projects are boosting local economies – a trend captured by Dun & Bradstreet’s City Vitality Index (CVI).

Emerging Growth Frontiers: Sectors like tourism, the blue economy, quick commerce, and the silver economy are set to become new engines of growth, especially across states and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Tourism as a Strategic Lever: Travel preferences are evolving toward wellness, spiritual, and experiential tourism, with spiritual tourism accounting for about 60 per cent of domestic trips, a trend expected to grow through 2026. The Digital Tourism Mission will enable AR/VR itinerary planning, while expanding MICE infrastructure in metros and Tier-2 cities will strengthen high-value segments.

Digital Economy Surge: India’s digital economy is expected to grow almost twice as fast as the overall economy, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the GVA by 2030. AI adoption will scale across BFSI, manufacturing, and healthcare, with the potential to add $ 600 bn to GDP over the next decade. Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad are emerging as major data centre hubs, reinforcing India’s position as a global digital infrastructure leader.

Quick Commerce & Drone Delivery: The anticipated rollout of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) regulations in 2026 will unlock large-scale commercial drone operations. Successful pilots in medical and essential goods delivery highlight drones’ potential to transform last-mile logistics. UPI transaction volumes increased by about 41.7 per cent y/y in FY2025, and this momentum is expected to accelerate in 2026, providing a structural boost to quick commerce penetration.

Care & Silver Economy: India’s health-tech ecosystem is set to thrive as senior care moves mainstream. By 2050, India’s senior population will reach 347.2m (about 20.8 per cent of total population), unlocking major market expansion opportunities. Senior living communities are scaling rapidly across metros and Tier-2 cities, with Southern hubs like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru leading, while premium assisted living emerges in Delhi-NCR and Pune.

Blue Economy & Green Ports: India’s maritime trade volume likely to exceed 7,100 MMTPA by 2047, driven almost equally by container and non-container cargo. Under Harit Sagar (Green Port Guidelines), green initiatives like shore power, hydrogen/ammonia bunkering, and retrofits are expected to gain momentum in 2026, signaling a sustainable transition in maritime operations.

Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, “India’s 2026 outlook marks a turning point. With macro stability as a foundation, and GDP growth projected at 6.6 per cent in FY2027, the country is poised to accelerate investments in productivity, technology, and clean energy. Emerging sectors like AI, green ports, quick commerce and the silver economy will not only enhance competitiveness but also create inclusive growth opportunities across regions and industries. The challenge lies in disciplined execution - crowding in private capital, strengthening human capital, and leveraging policy support will be critical to converting stability into sustainable transformation.”