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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed India’s efforts to modernise its statistical framework, saying the introduction of updated economic indicators could improve the accuracy of gross domestic product (GDP) estimates. The endorsement comes as India’s latest growth figures draw attention amid discussions over the reliability of economic data.
The IMF’s Director of Communications, Julie Kozack, said the latest GDP release incorporated a new Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and a new Producer Price Index (PPI) series. According to her, these additions should help strengthen the quality of GDP estimates and provide a more reliable basis for economic assessment.
Kozack said the IMF welcomed the steps taken by Indian authorities to modernise macroeconomic statistics. She also encouraged the government to continue improving the statistical framework and data quality.
The comments followed the release of India’s second-quarter real GDP figures for 2026, which showed 7.8% growth. The expansion was higher than the IMF staff’s expectations and the consensus among other observers.
The IMF attributed the stronger-than-expected performance mainly to robust activity in the services sector and exports. Kozack said the outcome demonstrated the resilience of the Indian economy despite the energy price shock.
The IMF’s remarks also reinforce the importance of accurate and timely economic data for policymakers, businesses and investors. Updated statistical systems can help provide a clearer picture of economic activity and support better-informed decisions.
India remains a key contributor to global economic growth, according to the IMF. The latest comments indicate that, alongside maintaining growth momentum, strengthening the country’s statistical foundation will remain an important part of its economic policy agenda.