India

India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is expected to witness a gradual but meaningful acceleration in growth, according to the latest Worldpanel assessment. The outlook reflects improving rural demand, easing inflationary pressures, and a shift in consumer spending toward both essentials and discretionary categories. Volume-led growth is likely to replace the price-driven expansion seen over the past year, as household confidence stabilizes and purchasing power improves. While urban markets remain resilient, rural India is emerging as the key growth driver.

Gold opened 2026 with steady prices, reflecting investor preference for safe-haven assets amid ongoing global economic uncertainties. In contrast, silver retreated after a strong year-end rally, pressured by profit-booking and softer industrial demand. Market analysts note that geopolitical tensions, inflation expectations, and currency movements continue to influence precious metals. While gold benefits from risk aversion and portfolio diversification demand, silver remains more sensitive to industrial activity and cyclical trends.

India is increasingly turning to chemical recycling as a strategic response to two pressing challenges: the mounting burden of plastic waste and heavy reliance on imported naphtha for petrochemical production. By converting end-of-life plastics into feedstock such as pyrolysis oil, chemical recycling offers an alternative source of hydrocarbons while supporting circular economy goals. The approach has drawn interest from refiners and chemical manufacturers seeking supply security and sustainability gains.

India’s insolvency resolution framework is under growing pressure as the National Company Law Tribunal faces a sharp increase in bankruptcy filings. The surge reflects financial stress across multiple sectors and the wider use of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code by creditors seeking faster recovery. However, limited bench strength and procedural bottlenecks have slowed case resolution, undermining the time-bound intent of the law. Delays risk eroding asset value and investor confidence at a time when efficient capital reallocation is critical.

Silver prices surged to an unprecedented level in the national capital, with rates climbing to Rs. 2.41 lakh per kilogram, marking a new record for the metal. The sharp rise highlights renewed investor interest in precious metals amid global economic uncertainty, currency volatility, and sustained industrial demand. Market participants attribute the rally to a combination of safe-haven buying and supply-side constraints, positioning silver as both a defensive asset and a critical industrial input.

The government has permitted the export of up to 50,000 tonnes of organic sugar, marking a calibrated policy move aimed at supporting niche agricultural producers while safeguarding domestic supply. The decision comes amid steady global demand for organic sweeteners and is expected to benefit certified growers and mills that cater to premium international markets. By allowing a restricted export window, policymakers seek to balance farmer incomes, foreign exchange earnings, and food security considerations.

India’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a strong increase, rising by $4.36 billion to reach $693.3 billion, reflecting improved external resilience and strategic reserve management. The latest rise was driven largely by a notable increase in the value of gold holdings, underscoring the central bank’s continued emphasis on diversification and stability. The expansion of reserves provides policymakers with greater flexibility to manage currency volatility, meet external obligations, and safeguard financial stability amid global uncertainty.

Tata Steel’s operations in the Netherlands have come under intense scrutiny following a high-stakes lawsuit seeking nearly €1.4 billion in damages over alleged environmental and health impacts. The case, filed by local groups and residents, accuses the company’s Dutch arm of contributing to pollution that has adversely affected surrounding communities. The legal challenge adds a new layer of complexity to Tata Steel’s European business at a time when steelmakers are already navigating regulatory pressure, decarbonisation costs, and volatile demand.

India’s residential real estate sector experienced a notable slowdown in 2025, with housing sales across seven major cities declining by 14% compared to the previous year, according to Anarock Research. The contraction reflects a combination of high property prices, rising interest rates, and cautious buyer sentiment amid macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite the slowdown, certain micro-markets and affordable housing segments showed resilience, suggesting selective demand persists.

ICRA Ratings has projected a robust 15–17% growth in India’s tractor sales for the current fiscal year, reflecting strong demand in the agricultural machinery segment. The growth is driven by favorable monsoon patterns, government initiatives promoting farm mechanization, and increasing adoption of modern agricultural practices. Industry experts note that higher rural incomes and enhanced crop productivity expectations are also supporting sustained demand for tractors.