New Delhi, Jan. 25 -- India slipped to the sixth position on Mint's emerging market tracker in December 2025, as weakness across multiple external indicators dragged its composite score lower despite continued strength in broader economic growth and manufacturing activity. This marked the worst performance since February 2025, when the same indicators emerged as weak spots.

Throughout 2025, external headwinds-and their impact on exports, rupee and stock markets-have been a drag on India's ranking. The country secured the top position in only five months, as opposed to eight in 2024 and nine in 2025.

China emerged as the best-performing emerging market for the month, supported by relatively steady export growth, strong import cover and a...