India's eight core infrastructure sectors recorded a year-on-year growth of 1.8% in November 2025, marking a recovery from the flat performance in October when output remained unchanged from the previous year. The Index of Core Industries (ICI), which accounts for about 40% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), reflects improved momentum driven by robust expansion in cement and select other segments. This uptick signals a tentative revival in industrial activity amid seasonal factors and policy support, though overall growth remains modest compared to earlier months.

Cement production surged by 14.5%, the highest among the sectors, indicating accelerated construction and infrastructure projects ahead of the festive and wedding seasons. Other positive contributors included fertilisers at 4.2% and refinery products at 2.4%. Coal and electricity also posted moderate gains of 3.3% and 2.8%, respectively, supported by rising demand. However, drags came from steel (down 1.1%), natural gas (down 3.8%), and crude oil (down 2.5%), highlighting persistent challenges in energy and metals.

The November data offers relief after October's stagnation, which was impacted by heavy rains, festivals, and base effects. Economists view the improvement as a sign of stabilising demand, particularly in rural and urban construction. Cumulative growth for April-November 2025 stood at around 4.5%, down from higher rates in the previous fiscal year due to an elevated base and uneven monsoon recovery.

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Analysts attribute the cement boom to government infrastructure spending and private real estate pickup, with expectations of sustained momentum into the next quarter. However, subdued steel and petroleum segments underscore global commodity volatility and domestic consumption patterns. As the economy navigates fiscal and monetary policy adjustments, core sector performance will be closely watched for cues on broader industrial recovery. The data reinforces calls for targeted stimulus in lagging areas to bolster overall growth trajectories heading into 2026.

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