India continues to strengthen its position as the world’s second-largest steel producer and is gradually closing the gap with China, according to data from the World Steel Association (Worldsteel) published on September 24, 2026.
From January through August 2026, Indian steelmakers produced 115.9 million metric tons of steel, a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. During the same period, China’s production fell by 3.1% to 651.9 million metric tons.
According to Open4Business calculations based on Worldsteel data, India produced approximately 109.3 million metric tons of steel in the first eight months of 2025, while China produced approximately 672.8 million metric tons. Thus, the absolute gap between the two largest producers over the year narrowed from approximately 563 million to 536 million metric tons, or by nearly 5%.
The ratio of production volumes is also shifting in India’s favor. While China produced about 6.2 times more steel than India from January through August of last year, that figure fell to about 5.6 times in 2026.
This trend continued in August. India increased its steel output by 4.6% year-over-year—to 14.8 million metric tons—while production in China fell by 3.7%—to 74.6 million metric tons. (World Steel Association)
India also more than doubles the output of the United States, which ranks third among the world’s largest producers. U.S. steelmakers produced 57.5 million metric tons of steel from January through August, increasing output by 5.5%. Japan produced 54 million metric tons, Russia—43.8 million metric tons, and South Korea—42.8 million metric tons.
Thus, India’s output over the eight-month period is already roughly double that of the U.S. and more than double that of Japan.
India accounted for about 9.5% of all steel produced by the 70 countries that provide statistics to Worldsteel, while China’s share was about 53% and the U.S.’s was about 4.7%. These 70 countries accounted for approximately 98% of global steel production in 2025.
The difference is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of the industry’s overall stagnation. From January through August, global steel production fell by 0.7% to 1.225 billion metric tons, while India continued to show steady growth. In August, global production declined by 1.2% year-over-year to 144.2 million metric tons.
Vietnam remains another fast-growing Asian producer. Over the eight-month period, it increased its output by 29.1%—to 20.6 million metric tons—with growth reaching 36.4% in August alone. Overall, however, steel production in Asia and Oceania has declined by 0.9% since the beginning of the year—to 906.4 million metric tons—primarily due to trends in the Chinese market.
China, meanwhile, maintains a huge lead and remains the undisputed leader in the global steel industry. However, the diverging trends of the two largest producers indicate a gradual increase in India’s share of the global steel industry.
Original source: World Steel Association — August 2026 crude steel production
Global steel production in August 2026 fell by 1.2% compared to August of last year, to 144.2 million metric tons, according to data from the World Steel Association (Worldsteel) published on September 24.
The statistics cover 70 countries, which accounted for about 98% of global steel production in 2025. From January through August 2026, they produced 1.225 billion metric tons of steel, which is 0.7% less than a year earlier.
China remains the largest producer, having produced 74.6 million metric tons of steel in August, a 3.7% year-over-year decline. Thus, China accounted for more than half of global output.
India, which ranks second, increased production by 4.6% to 14.8 million metric tons. The United States increased production by 3% to 7.3 million metric tons, while Japan increased production by 0.4% to 6.7 million metric tons.
Russia produced about 5.5 million metric tons of steel, down 0.3% from August of last year, while South Korea increased production by 2.6% to 5.4 million metric tons.
Turkey produced about 3.4 million metric tons of steel, which is 0.4% less than last year’s figure. Brazil’s production fell by 6.2% to 2.7 million metric tons, while Germany increased its output by 1.7% to 2.6 million metric tons.
Among the largest producers, Vietnam showed the strongest growth: the country’s steel production rose by 36.4% to 2.7 million metric tons.
From January through August, China produced 651.9 million metric tons of steel, which is 3.1% less than a year earlier. India increased production by 6% to 115.9 million metric tons, and the United States by 5.5% to 57.5 million metric tons.
The top ten producers since the beginning of the year also include Japan (54 million metric tons), Russia (43.8 million metric tons), South Korea—42.8 million metric tons, Turkey—26.6 million metric tons, Germany—23.9 million metric tons, Brazil—21.8 million metric tons, and Vietnam—20.6 million metric tons.
Vietnam has also shown the fastest growth among this group since the beginning of the year—approximately 29%. Production in Russia fell by 5.1%, in China by 3.1%, and in Brazil by 1.8%.
Indian Foreign Minister Subramaniam Jaishankar stated that India has provided Ukraine with 19 shipments of humanitarian aid, including 160 metric tons of cargo consisting of generators, medicines, and medical equipment.
According to a correspondent for “Interfax-Ukraine,” he made these remarks at a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga on Thursday in Kyiv. Jaishankar noted that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later that day and convey greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“To date, we have provided 19 shipments of humanitarian aid, including 160 metric tons of generators, medicines, medical equipment, and other items. Minister Sibiga and I will discuss what further steps can be taken in this regard,” the minister said.
He expressed regret and condolences regarding the death of an Indian citizen two days ago as a result of an attack in Kyiv. Jaishankar noted that, in India’s view, “solutions will not emerge on the battlefield.”
“Every day of the conflict means only more deaths and more destruction. It is clear that the parties involved must find a way forward. But if India can help in any way, we are ready,” the foreign minister emphasized.
He added that this was the focus of today’s conversation with the Ukrainian foreign minister.
The sides also discussed attacks on commercial shipping.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on August 31, stated the need to move toward ending hostilities and finding a sustainable peaceful solution.
“Every day of war sets humanity back. We must work to end hostilities,” Modi said during the open part of the bilateral talks. He was referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The Indian prime minister has consistently advocated ending it through negotiations and diplomacy. At his previous meeting with Putin at the SCO summit in Tianjin in September 2025, Modi also called for accelerating the end of the conflict and finding a long-term peaceful solution.
Modi and Putin met in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the 26th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The formal meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State is scheduled for September 1, while on August 31 the leaders are holding bilateral meetings and participating in other summit events.
The SCO was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the basis of the so-called “Shanghai Five.” India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024.
The SCO currently includes 10 states: Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Their combined population exceeds 3.4 billion people, and the organisation’s countries account for about a quarter of global GDP. Afghanistan and Mongolia are observers, while another 15 countries have dialogue partner status, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The SCO deals with regional security issues, while the organisation itself officially stresses that it is not a military alliance. Its permanent secretariat is located in Beijing, and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is based in Tashkent.
The summit in Bishkek is taking place in the year of the 25th anniversary of the SCO. The Indian government had previously said that Modi intended to use the forum to promote three New Delhi priorities — security, transport and economic connectivity, and new opportunities for cooperation.
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine held a ceremonial event in Kyiv to mark India’s 80th Independence Day. The celebration took place at India House and was attended by representatives of the Indian community, Ukrainian government agencies, the business sector, the cultural sector, and civil society organizations.
At the ceremony, the recently appointed Indian Ambassador to Ukraine, Anjani Kumar, raised the national flag and read a message from Indian President Draupadi Murmu to those in attendance on the occasion of the holiday.
The event was attended by members of the Indian community living in Ukraine—including students and entrepreneurs—as well as representatives of Ukrainian government agencies, politicians, Indologists, writers, dancers, representatives of cultural and spiritual organizations, and Ukrainian friends of India. The embassy described the guest list as a broad representation of people connected to Indian-Ukrainian cultural and civic relations.
Anjani Kumar was appointed India’s new ambassador to Ukraine by a decision of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on July 8, 2026. On August 10, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleksandr Mishchenko accepted copies of his credentials from him.
In an address on the eve of Independence Day, President Draupadi Murmu emphasized that India is moving toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by the centennial of its independence, and that development must provide opportunities for all segments of the population. She particularly highlighted the contributions of students, scholars, engineers, doctors, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the Indian diaspora to the nation’s development.
“The true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that all citizens can seize opportunities to realize their aspirations,” the President of India stated in her address to the nation.
Murmur also highlighted the role of Indians living abroad and diplomatic mission staff in strengthening the country’s international standing. Among the priorities for further development, she cited digitalization, economic growth, expanding opportunities for women and youth, developing modern infrastructure, and preserving cultural heritage.
India gained independence from Great Britain on August 15, 1947. Therefore, in 2026, the country will celebrate its 80th Independence Day, even though 79 years have passed since independence was achieved: the 1947 celebration is considered the first Independence Day. Indian authorities are referring to this year’s celebration specifically as the 80th Independence Day.
The holiday is one of India’s major national holidays. The central ceremony is traditionally held in Delhi, where the prime minister raises the national flag near the Red Fort and delivers an address to the nation.
India was among the first countries to recognize Ukraine’s independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established on January 17, 1992.
The Indian Embassy in Kyiv began operations in May 1992. Prior to that, India had a Consulate General in Odesa, which had been operating since 1962 and was closed in 1999.
The Embassy of Ukraine in New Delhi was opened in February 1993 and became one of the first diplomatic missions of independent Ukraine in Asia. It continues to represent Ukraine’s interests in India and to develop political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
Oleksandr Mishchenko, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, accepted copies of the credentials from Anjani Kumar, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of India to Ukraine. According to the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties emphasized the importance of further developing bilateral cooperation and maintaining regular political dialogue at all levels.
The Deputy Minister emphasized Ukraine’s expectations that India play a more active role in promoting the restoration of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in holding the aggressor state accountable for the crimes it has committed.
“The parties discussed the agenda for upcoming high-level events, particularly in the context of implementing the agreements reached during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine on August 23, 2024,” the statement reads.
Special attention was paid to the development of interparliamentary cooperation and the further strengthening of collaboration in the humanitarian sphere. The parties also discussed ways to intensify bilateral economic cooperation and restore positive momentum in contacts between business representatives of the two countries.
“Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue active cooperation and promote the further development of Ukrainian-Indian relations in areas of mutual interest. Oleksandr Mishchenko wished the Ambassador of the Republic of India success in his diplomatic mission in Ukraine and the achievement of significant results for the benefit of both countries and their peoples,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.
