Strong El Niño does not always mean a failed Indian monsoon

Seven Indian monsoons since 1950 coincided with a moderate or strong El Niño, and five of them, including 2026, saw rainfall at least 10% below the long-term average, which IMD calls deficient. But 2023 was only below average and 1997 was near normal, showing El Niño alone does not guarantee a poor monsoon.