The World Economic Forum’s September 2026 Chief Economists’ Outlook, released on September 28, 2026, revealed that 74% of respondents expect India to achieve strong or very strong growth in the next 12 months, up from 52% in May. The survey, which gathered 310 chief economists from both public and private sectors, also found 98% anticipate moderate or higher growth for India, positioning the country ahead of South‑East Asia where 73% share the same outlook.
Household income expectations mirror the bullish tone: 62% of chief economists predict inflation‑adjusted household earnings will rise, with 7% forecasting a significant jump. Labour‑market sentiment remains steady, as 70% foresee the unemployment rate holding level, 17% foresee a rise, and 13% a decline. Inflation expectations have softened, with 55% anticipating moderate inflation and 45% still anticipating high inflation over the coming year.
Despite the rosy macro picture, India’s attractiveness to multinational corporations has waned. The survey’s ranking of favourable business environments moved India from second to fourth place; only 40% of respondents now list India among their top three investment destinations, down from 56% in the previous outlook. Analysts warn that a perceived policy drift and rising competition from neighbouring markets could be eroding investor confidence.
The WEF survey will be revisited next year, and Indian policymakers are expected to convene a high‑level task force to review incentives and regulatory reforms aimed at recapturing the multinational pull. Stakeholders in Mumbai’s business community are already calling for clearer tax signals and streamlined bureaucratic processes as immediate remedies.