01 September,2026 12:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter, saying the expansion was achieved despite wars, geopolitical instability and disruptions to global supply chains.
In a video message shared on Instagram, PM Modi congratulated citizens for the growth rate and attributed the performance to their collective resolve and hard work. He also renewed his call for greater self-reliance and the use of domestically produced goods, saying these efforts would help build a developed India by the centenary of Independence.
"I want to congratulate the people of the country for 7.8 per cent GDP growth. It has been possible due to their collective resolve and efforts. India has achieved this milestone despite conflicts, wars and instability everywhere," Modi said.
The Prime Minister said the global economy had faced continued uncertainty since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with conflicts and supply chain disruptions adding to the challenges.
"Many congratulations to the countrymen. 7.8 per cent growth. The country is filled with joy. But I congratulate the countrymen for their willpower, for their hard work; it is a reflection of collective strength. The world is engulfed in war; news of war is coming from all around. Surrounded by global crises, supply chains are completely disturbed. From the Covid period in 2020 until now, nowhere is stability visible. Despite that, India is progressing at a fast pace," he said.
Modi also appeared to take a swipe at his political opponents, saying some people within the country were attempting to spread negativity and falsehood despite India's economic progress.
"On the other hand, inside India too, people immersed in the depth of despair, 'Jhooth Ki Goonj', are engaged in spreading despair all around. Crossing all these things, piercing through all those matters, the country has achieved 7.8 per cent growth. We have to maintain this speed; we also have to grow," the Prime Minister added.
His remarks came amid a political row over Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign and criticism directed at it by the BJP. The ruling party has alleged that several statements made by Gandhi during events linked to the campaign were inaccurate or misleading.
The Prime Minister said sustaining India's growth momentum would require greater self-reliance and continued efforts to strengthen domestic production.
"We have to maintain the speed of our growth. We have to grow. And for that we must become self-reliant. The youth's dreams need our hard work to be realised. Let's not be lacking in efforts," he said.
Modi also reiterated his appeal to citizens to support domestic economic activity and reduce spending abroad where possible. He asked people to reconsider travelling overseas for holidays, holding weddings outside India and purchasing gold unless necessary.
"If you are going to any foreign country, then stop. If you are getting married abroad, then you should stop it. We should live by the mantra of 'Wed in India'. If it is not necessary, then we should not buy gold," he said.
Modi said his government's policies and intentions had contributed to the country's economic progress.
"The more we emphasise Swadeshi and Atmanirbharta, I am firmly convinced that when 100 years of independence are completed, we will hand over a Viksit Bharat to our youth," he added.
India's economy grew by a faster-than-expected 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, demonstrating resilience despite concerns over the impact of conflict in West Asia and disruptions in energy markets.
However, the first-quarter growth rate was lower than the 8.6 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.
India continues to remain among the world's fastest-growing major economies, with domestic demand providing support to overall economic activity.
Recent vehicle sales data also pointed to continued strength in consumer demand. Domestic passenger vehicle sales reached 4.58 lakh units in July, an increase of 34.3 per cent from a year earlier and the strongest July performance on record, according to official figures.
