India Navigates Economic Growth, Legislative Agenda, and Global Role in Late 2025

India continues its trajectory of economic growth and strategic reforms as October 2025 draws to a close, with the government focusing on strengthening domestic manufacturing, advancing its legislative agenda, and asserting its role on the global stage. The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, now in its third term, is preparing for the crucial Winter Session of Parliament, expected to address key policy initiatives and socio-economic challenges.

Economic Outlook and Policy Drivers

The Indian economy, projected to remain one of the fastest-growing major economies globally, is showing resilience despite persistent global inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties. The government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, bolstered by Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across various sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, continues to attract significant domestic and foreign investment. Official data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation indicates robust growth in manufacturing and services sectors, contributing to healthy GDP figures for the preceding quarters. However, managing food inflation and ensuring equitable growth remains a priority.

Infrastructure development continues at an accelerated pace, with significant progress reported in projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and Gati Shakti master plan. High-speed rail corridors, national highway expansion, and development of new port capacities are seen as critical enablers for long-term economic sustainability. The Ministry of Finance is reportedly in advanced stages of preparing the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, with an emphasis on fiscal consolidation while maintaining investment in capital expenditure.

Legislative Agenda and Governance Focus

Preparations for the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament are in full swing, with several key legislative proposals expected to be tabled. Sources within the government indicate that a bill related to reforms in the higher education sector, aiming to improve regulatory frameworks and promote research, might be introduced. Furthermore, discussions around a standardized national framework for digital data protection continue, with amendments to existing legislation or a new comprehensive bill under consideration to address evolving technological landscapes and privacy concerns.

A significant ongoing debate continues regarding the potential implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). While the matter is currently under extensive review by a parliamentary standing committee and various legal experts, the government has reiterated its commitment to the principle of equality and non-discrimination. Any legislative movement on this front is anticipated to be preceded by wide-ranging consultations and robust public discourse, reflecting the complex and sensitive nature of the subject.

Governance reforms are also on the agenda, with a renewed push for streamlining bureaucratic processes and enhancing transparency through digital platforms. The ‘Ease of Doing Business’ framework is being continuously refined to attract more investment and reduce compliance burdens for businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Social Welfare and Human Development

The government’s commitment to social welfare schemes remains a cornerstone of its policy agenda. Flagship programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for housing, Ayushman Bharat for healthcare, and Jal Jeevan Mission for rural tap water connections continue to see substantial implementation across the country. Reviews are underway to assess their impact and identify areas for further refinement and expansion, especially in reaching underserved populations.

Emphasis on skill development and youth employment initiatives is also high, with schemes like Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) being strengthened to align with industry demands and foster entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is steadily being implemented across states, aiming to transform India’s education landscape from early childhood to higher education, focusing on holistic development and future-ready skills.

India’s Global Posture and Foreign Policy

On the international front, India continues to play an active and influential role in various multilateral forums, including the G20, SCO, and BRICS. Prime Minister Modi’s recent engagements with global leaders underscore India’s diplomatic outreach and its commitment to addressing shared global challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, and supply chain resilience. Bilateral relations with key strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East are being further consolidated through high-level dialogues and economic partnerships.

India’s stance on regional stability and security remains firm, particularly concerning its borders and maritime interests. The nation’s growing economic heft and strategic autonomy are positioning it as a pivotal player in the evolving global order. As the year progresses, India’s political landscape is characterized by a government keen on leveraging its mandate to drive transformative change while navigating complex domestic and international dynamics.