New Delhi, Aug. 29 -- India's fiscal deficit nearly doubled in the first four months of FY26, compared with the same period of the previous year, driven by a sharp rise in capital expenditure, signaling the government's continued push to support economic growth through public investment.

The fiscal deficit for April-July stood at Rs.4.68 trillion, or 29.9% of the full year estimate, data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on Friday showed. The fiscal deficit stood at Rs. 2.77 trillion in the same period last year.

The surge had been maintained amid a ramp-up in central government capex, which rose to Rs. 3.47 trillion in April-July period, 31% of the annual goal, compared to Rs. 2.61 trillion a year earlier.

While the...