India logistics leasing record H1 2026

India's logistics and industrial real estate sector achieved its highest-ever first-half leasing volume in 2026, with gross leasing across the top eight cities reaching 36.2 million square feet (MSF), up 18% year-on-year and 2% higher than H2 2025, according to Cushman & Wakefield's H1 2026 Logistics & Industrial MarketBeat report. Warehouse leasing dominated at 24.3 MSF (67% of total), while industrial leasing surged 36% YoY to nearly 12 MSF. Third-party logistics (3PL) operators led demand with 12.2 MSF (34% share), followed by engineering and manufacturing (E&M) firms at 10.2 MSF (28% share); together they accounted for over 60% of absorption. The automobile sector emerged as a key growth driver with 4.8 MSF (13% share), nearly doubling YoY, supported by investments in the electric vehicle value chain. India — Delhi led city-wise leasing with 8.7 MSF (24% share, up 69% YoY), followed by India — Chennai (6.1 MSF, up 39%) and India — Pune (5.9 MSF, up 32%). India — Mumbai, India — Bengaluru, India — Ahmedabad, India — Kolkata, and India — Hyderabad recorded 4.7, 4.4, 2.2, 2.1, and 2.1 MSF respectively. Abhishek Bhutani, Managing Director of Logistics & Industrial Services at Cushman & Wakefield, noted resilient occupier demand despite geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, with expansion plans on track. Demand is expected to remain supported in H2 2026 by seasonal e-commerce, retail, and automobile activity.