Activity in India’s core industrial sectors rose 5 percent in June 2026, the quickest pace in five months, according to the first release of a revised Index of Core Industries. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued the updated series on July 20 with a new base year of 2022-23 instead of 2011-12. Iron ore was added as a ninth sector, and weights plus estimation methods were refreshed. The index grew 5 percent year on year in June, up from 3.2 percent in May. January 2026 had posted the prior faster reading of 5.2 percent. Iron ore led gains with 43.9 percent growth, though the jump partly reflected a low base after contraction a year earlier. Crude oil, natural gas, refinery products and fertilizers all declined. Coal expanded 1.4 percent, ending three months of contraction. Steel rose 4.6 percent and cement advanced 9.8 percent. Electricity output increased 9.8 percent amid higher seasonal demand.
