New Delhi, Sept 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed India’s 7.8 per cent economic growth in the April-June quarter of 2026-27, describing the performance as a reflection of growing confidence in the country’s economy despite global uncertainties.
In a video message shared from Bishkek, Modi congratulated citizens for the latest GDP figures and said India had maintained strong growth despite geopolitical tensions, conflicts, supply-chain disruptions and economic uncertainty in different parts of the world.“7.8 per cent growth” was a “strong number”, Modi said, adding that the figure also reflected stronger confidence in India’s economic prospects.
According to data released by the National Statistical Office, India’s GDP expanded 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year.
The growth rate, however, was lower than the 8.6 per cent recorded in the January-March quarter.Modi said the country needed to preserve the current pace of economic expansion and strengthen its domestic capabilities.
He reiterated his call for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, saying greater self-reliance would be crucial for achieving India’s development ambitions.The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to prioritise domestic economic activity and avoid unnecessary spending overseas.
He urged people to reconsider foreign holidays, destination weddings abroad and non-essential gold purchases.Linking economic progress with the aspirations of young Indians, Modi said sustained growth and self-reliance would help create an environment in which the country’s youth could pursue their ambitions.
He also referred to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of Independence.The Prime Minister said India’s economic performance was particularly noteworthy given the instability that has affected the global economy since the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also criticised what he described as pessimistic narratives about India’s economic condition, arguing that the latest growth figures demonstrated the resilience of the country’s economy.The GDP data, meanwhile, triggered a political response from the opposition.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the government’s methodology for calculating GDP and described the latest figures as unreliable.Ramesh argued that the relationship between nominal and real GDP growth appeared inconsistent with inflation indicators, particularly the Wholesale Price Index.
He also alleged that changes in the methodology used for GDP calculations had influenced the latest estimates.The contrasting reactions have turned the latest GDP figures into both an economic and political talking point, with the government highlighting India’s growth momentum while the opposition is seeking greater scrutiny of the methodology behind the numbers.
The latest data nevertheless indicate that India’s economy continued to expand at a relatively strong pace during the first quarter of FY27, even as global economic conditions remained uncertain.
