India Climbs to 4th in Global Industrial Output From 9th Position in 2014

India has surged past several major economies to secure the 4th position in global manufacturing output by 2024, according to recent World Bank data . Once ranked 9th in 2014, India’s output has nearly tripled—from around $307 billion in that year to $745 billion in 2024—marking a 2.4× increase .

From Modest Origins to Industrial Powerhouse

Back in the early 2000s, India’s manufacturing output hovered around $75 billion (in 2000) and rose gradually to $94 billion by 2003 . The decade that followed saw robust growth; by 2008, output reached roughly $205 billion, before dipping during the global financial crisis but recovering to about $285 billion by 2010. The upward trajectory continued through the early 2010s, with output hitting $307 billion in 2014—the base of India’s leap to its current position .

A Decade of Momentum: 2014–2024

This dramatic rise aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014, aimed at boosting manufacturing's share of GDP and attracting foreign investment . Between 2014 and 2024:

• Manufacturing output grew from $307 billion to $745 billion.

• India climbed from 9th to 4th among global manufacturers .

• FDI into manufacturing increased from about $98 billion (2004–14) to $165 billion (2014–24), a 69% rise .

• Production Linked Incentives (PLI), improved ease of doing business, and infrastructure pushed the sector forward.

Two-Decade Journey: Steady Growth with Periods of Surge

India's manufacturing share of GDP has naturally fluctuated. In the mid‑1990s, it peaked around 17.9%, but fell to ~15% by 2014 and further down to ~13% by 2020 . Growth rates across decades show:

• 2000s: Average industrial growth near 8–12%, with spikes in manufacturing and machinery sectors .

• 2010s: Growth slowed to about 5–6% annually, but post-2014 policy reforms reversed the trend .

This long-term journey reflects how India steadily built a broad industrial base—from $5 billion in the 1960s to over $745 billion today .

Why the Rise Matters

India’s 4th-place ranking underscores its emergence as a serious player in global supply chains. From automotives to electronics, pharmaceuticals to steel, the country is scaling up capability and volume:

• Manufacturing exports reached record highs of $447 billion in FY23 .

• Technology adoption (Industry 4.0), robotics, and rising employment have reshaped competitiveness .

• Steel output jumped: India rose to become the 2nd largest global steel producer by 2023–24 .

In a Nutshell

This is not just a story of climb—it’s a tale of consistent ambition, reform, investment, and innovation. From languishing in the lower ranks two decades ago to now sitting among the industrial giants, India’s rise in manufacturing output is a defining chapter in its modern economic narrative.

If the trajectory continues, the day is not far when India may challenge the top three and rewrite the global industrial map.