India Logs 101 Milestones, Accelerates Growth Momentum
The Bharat Progress Report 2025–26, released by the NXT Foundation, highlights India’s accelerated economic and technological advancement, marked by 101 major milestones across sectors including digital infrastructure, transport, space and renewable energy.
The report notes that India emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2025, surpassing Japan, with a nominal GDP of approximately US$ 4.18 trillion. Backed by a strong 8.2% growth rate, the country continues to be the fastest-growing major economy and is on track to become the third-largest globally.
High-frequency indicators underscore this growth momentum. GST collections reached a record Rs 2.17 lakh crore in April 2025, while the mutual fund industry crossed Rs 80 lakh crore in assets under management. Cumulative foreign direct investment also surpassed US$ 1.15 trillion, reflecting sustained investor confidence.
India’s digital public infrastructure remains a key growth driver, gaining global attention. Monthly transactions on Unified Payments Interface exceeded Rs 21 lakh crore, while Aadhaar authentication crossed one billion. These developments have significantly strengthened financial inclusion and improved the delivery of government services through direct benefit transfers.
On the fiscal front, India’s tax-to-GDP ratio rose to 19.6%, indicating improved compliance and stronger state participation, supported by ongoing tax reforms.
Infrastructure and connectivity also saw major advancements. The completion of the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, marked a significant engineering milestone. Meanwhile, the expansion of the Vande Bharat Express network enhanced high-speed rail connectivity across the country, alongside continued growth in highways and logistics networks.
In science and technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), placing India among a select group of nations with in-orbit docking capability. The report also highlights progress in building domestic capabilities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, positioning India as a competitive alternative in global high-tech manufacturing.
India also made notable strides in renewable energy, achieving 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity five years ahead of its 2030 target. This progress has been driven by rapid expansion in solar, wind, and hydropower.
Overall, the report underscores India’s emergence as a key driver of global growth, with sustained progress across economic, technological, and sustainability fronts shaping its trajectory toward becoming a developed nation.
