India industrial output rose 6.7% in November from a year earlier, rebounding sharply from October’s slowdown as manufacturing and mining activity strengthened, according to government data released Monday.
The growth marked a strong acceleration from the revised 0.4% expansion recorded in October and exceeded the pace seen in November last year. Officials said the pickup reflected improved operating conditions after the monsoon season and broad-based gains across most manufacturing segments.
The Index of Industrial Production, or IIP, stood at 158.0 in November, compared with 148.1 in the same month a year earlier, according to quick estimates issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
India Industrial Output recorded a significant improvement in November, supported mainly by manufacturing and mining, the ministry said in a statement accompanying the data.
Manufacturing Leads Broad-Based Industrial Recovery
India Industrial Output grew 8.0% year‑on‑year in November, with manufacturing accounting for the largest share of the increase. The expansion was driven by higher production in several key industries, including basic metals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
Within manufacturing, 20 of the 23 industry groups at the two‑digit level of the National Industrial Classification reported positive growth compared with November 2024. India Industrial Output was driven by strong gains in basic metals, which rose 10.2%, and pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical products, which increased 10.5%.
Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers posted the strongest gains among major categories, expanding 11.9% from a year earlier. Officials said steady domestic demand and improved supply conditions helped support output during the month.
“The majority of manufacturing groups recorded positive growth, indicating a broad-based recovery,” the ministry said.
By use-based classification, capital goods output climbed 10.4%, reflecting higher investment-related activity. Infrastructure and construction goods grew 12.1%, while intermediate goods increased 7.3%.
Consumer demand also showed improvement. Consumer durables output rose 10.3%, and consumer non-durables increased 7.3%. Primary goods output grew at a more modest 2.0%.
Mining Output Rises as Monsoon Ends
Mining production increased 5.4% in November, supported by higher output of metallic minerals such as iron ore. The end of the monsoon season typically allows for increased extraction and transportation activity across mining regions.
Officials said mining gains contributed meaningfully to the overall improvement in India Industrial Output during the month.
“Mining activity picked up with improved weather conditions and higher production of key minerals,” the ministry said.
The combined strength in manufacturing and mining offset weakness in other areas and helped lift the headline industrial growth figure.
Electricity Generation Declines Despite Overall Growth
Electricity generation, however, contracted 1.5% year-on-year in November, partially tempering the overall industrial performance. The decline followed periods of strong power output earlier in the year and may reflect seasonal factors.
Despite the contraction in electricity generation, officials said infrastructure and construction goods, intermediate goods and consumer non-durables were the largest contributors to IIP growth in November.
The November rebound follows a subdued October, when industrial production expanded just 0.4%. Economists had attributed October’s weakness to uneven demand and weather-related disruptions.
The government is scheduled to release industrial production data for December on Jan. 28, 2026.
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