Introduction

India's economy grew at a stronger-than-expected 7.8 per cent year-on-year in the April-June quarter, according to official data. The figure exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's earlier estimate of 7 per cent and market expectations of around 7.1 per cent, as reported by Lokmat Times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were among those who welcomed the numbers, linking the performance to the nation's resilience amid global uncertainties and supply-chain challenges.

Economic Figures and Reactions

Real Gross Value Added (GVA) grew 8.2 per cent during the quarter, while nominal GDP increased 10.3 per cent. Manufacturing grew 9.2 per cent, and financial, real estate, and professional services recorded particularly strong expansion, according to Lokmat Times. The data indicated that the economy retained strong momentum despite a difficult global environment.

In a social media post on platform X, CM Patel described the growth rate as evidence of the "unwavering resolve, hard work and collective strength" of 1.4 billion Indians. He attributed the country's continued progress to the leadership, policies, and intent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and called for greater emphasis on Swadeshi, 'Vocal for Local', and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' as part of the effort to build a developed India. "Amid global uncertainties and supply chain challenges, New India has once again shown the world what it is capable of," Patel wrote. He described the 7.8 per cent Q1 growth as a reflection of India's resilience, confidence, and collective strength.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also welcomed the figures, posting, "The vibe? India is in growth mode." He said the growth had come despite global uncertainties, oil-price pressures, and supply-chain challenges, crediting the central government's leadership for the economic momentum.

PM Modi's Video Message

In a video message on Tuesday morning, PM Modi congratulated the countrymen on the economic achievement, saying it had filled the nation with happiness. He attributed the robust growth to the collective efforts of the people. "I congratulate the countrymen. For their determination, for their hard work. It is a reflection of a collective strength," he said, adding that India's growth at a time when the world is witnessing conflicts was particularly significant for the country's future.

Referencing global crises, he said, "The world is immersed in war. News of war is coming from all around. The world is surrounded by crises. The supply chain is completely disturbed. From the Covid period in 2020 till now, stability is not visible anywhere. Despite that, India is progressing at a fast pace."

Taking a swipe at opposition leaders, he said, "On the other hand, within India too, there are people drowned in despair, spreading lies, busy spreading negativity all around. Overcoming these things, piercing through all those talks, the country has achieved 7.8 per cent growth. We have to maintain this momentum. We have to move forward, and for that it is very important to become Atmanirbhar Bharat. The mantra of Swadeshi, vocal for local."

Call for Swadeshi and Self-Reliance

Urging people to promote domestic consumption, Modi advised them against travelling abroad purely for leisure. "If you go for travel abroad just for leisure, you should not do it. You do weddings outside, in foreign countries, you should not do it. You should live the mantra of Made in India, and if not necessary, you should not even buy gold," he urged.

Emphasising the promotion of Swadeshi, he said, "The more we emphasise Swadeshi, the more we emphasise self-reliance. I have full faith that when it will be 100 years of Independence, we will gift a Viksit Bharat to our young generation. We will realise the dreams of our young generation."