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Core sector activity contracts 0.4% in March 2026 amid West Asia conflict, worst in 19 months
Core sector activity in India contracted 0.4% in March 2026, the first month after the West Asia war began, marking the weakest performance in 19 months. The government data show 2.6% growth for full-year 2025-26, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings were released on April 20, 2026.
Why It Matters
The results indicate that regional conflict had a measurable impact on India's core industrial activity, which can influence broader economic indicators and policy responses.
Timeline
2 Events
April 20, 2026: Index of Eight Core Industries data released; full-year growth at 2.6%
April 20, 2026
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the Index of Eight Core Industries data, showing 2.6% growth for the full year 2025-26, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.
March 2026: Eight core industries contract 0.4% amid West Asia conflict
March 2026
Activity in India's eight core industrial sectors contracted by 0.4% in March 2026, the first month after the West Asia conflict began, marking the poorest performance in 19 months.