Strong numbers, stronger confidence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed India's economic performance after official data showed the country's GDP grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of 2026-27. In a video message shared on Instagram and X, Modi called the figures a sign of "even stronger confidence," describing the growth as a "demonstration of collective responsibility."

"7.8% growth. Strong numbers. Even stronger confidence," Modi said, according to reports from India Today, Lokmat Times, and The Times of India.

Government data released Monday showed India's economy expanded 7.8% in the first quarter of the financial year, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's 7% forecast and retaining the country's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, as reported by The Times of India and Moneycontrol. Growth moderated from 8.6% in the previous quarter but was higher than the 6.9% recorded in the same period last year.

Modi, who is in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, congratulated citizens for their "determination and efforts," saying the numbers were "a reflection of our collective strength." He described the performance as a "herculean feat" and "exemplary," crediting the collective strength and hard work of Indians for the economy's resilience, according to multiple reports.

'Jhooth ki goonj' and global challenges

Modi used his remarks to push back against what he described as attempts to spread pessimism about the Indian economy. He accused critics of being "mired in the abyss of pessimism, echoing falsehoods and spreading despair," using the phrase "jhooth ki goonj" (echo of lies).

"India's high GDP growth has come when world is beset by crises and supply chain is disrupted. Since Covid in 2020, global stability has been elusive. Despite this, India is progressing at a fast clip. On the other hand, people mired in despair are busy spreading 'jhooth ki goonj' and disappointment all around," Modi said, as quoted by The Times of India.

India Today noted that the "jhooth ki goonj" remark is being seen as a veiled swipe at Rahul Gandhi's "Chhatron Ki Goonj" campaign, which aimed to connect with the country's youth. NewsBytes added that the phrase alludes to criticism against Gandhi's campaign by the political satirical group "Jhooth Ki Goonj," which had claimed to fact-check assertions Gandhi made during his campaigns.

Modi pointed to the difficult global backdrop, saying the world was "plagued by wars" and faced disrupted supply chains, with "no stableness since Covid." "The world is drowned in war. The world is surrounded by crises. The supply chain is completely disrupted. There has been no stability since the Covid pandemic. Despite that, India is developing very fast," he said, according to India Today.

Swadeshi and Vocal for Local

Modi stressed the importance of building an "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and promoting the "Swadeshi" movement and "Vocal for Local" initiative. He urged citizens to prefer Indian products, avoid unnecessary purchases of gold, and reconsider travelling abroad for purposes such as weddings.

"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 'Made in India'. If it is not necessary, then we should not buy gold," Modi said, as quoted by Lokmat Times.

NewsBytes reported Modi saying: "We should avoid traveling abroad merely for leisure or hosting weddings in foreign lands; instead, we should live by the mantra of 'Weddings in India.' We should also refrain from buying gold unless absolutely necessary."

Modi expressed confidence that reliance on swadeshi and self-reliance would help India become a developed nation by the time it completes 100 years of Independence in 2047. "If we depend on Swadeshi products, I am sure that when our country completes 100 years of Independence, we will give 'Viksit Bharat' to our youth," he said, according to Lokmat Times.

He also called on citizens to contribute to the country's growth, saying, "Our policy is right, our intentions are clear, and the strength of 140 crore Indians is today united to take the country to new heights." Modi concluded, "Celebrate the happiness, make a resolve, and set out with me to fulfill that resolve," as reported by NewsBytes.

Modi added that maintaining the growth momentum was essential. "Overcoming all these challenges, the country has achieved a growth rate of 7.8 per cent. We will have to maintain this pace and move forward," he said, according to Lokmat Times.

Lokmat Times noted that in most large European economies, the growth rate was about 1 per cent or less, highlighting India's relative performance.