PM Narendra Modi Hails 7.8% GDP Growth in New Video, Takes Dig at ‘Jhooth Ki Goonj’ Amid Rahul Gandhi Campaign
PM Narendra Modi hailed India’s 7.8% GDP growth in the April-June quarter of 2026-27, saying the stronger-than-expected performance reflected the resolve and hard work of Indians. He also took a swipe at critics spreading “jhooth ki goonj” and pessimism about the economy. The latest growth figure surpassed the RBI’s 7% forecast.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, September 1, hailed India’s stronger-than-expected economic performance after GDP growth accelerated to 7.8% in the April-June quarter of 2026-27, while taking a dig at critics whom he accused of spreading pessimism about the economy. Modi highlighted the figures in a selfie-style video posted on Instagram as he attended the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
Government data released on Monday showed that India's GDP jumped to 7.8% in the first quarter of the financial year, beating the Reserve Bank of India’s 7% forecast. "7.8% growth. Strong numbers. Even stronger confidence," PM Modi, who is in Bishkek for the SCO Summit, captioned the video. One Day, One University: What PM Modi Government’s New Gen Z Outreach Plan Means.
PM Narendra Modi Hails 7.8% GDP Growth in New Video
PM Narendra Modi Highlights 7.8% GDP Growth
Reacting to the latest GDP data, PM Modi attributed the growth to the resolve and hard work of Indians, saying the figures reflected the country’s economic strength despite a challenging global environment.
“Heartiest congratulations to my fellow citizens. A growth rate of 7.8%—the nation is filled with joy. I congratulate the people of this country for their resolve and their industrious spirit; this reflects our collective strength; this reflects our collective strength. The world is mired in conflict; news of war is coming from all directions, and the globe is beset by crises. Supply chains are severely disrupted. Since the COVID era of 2020, stability has been elusive everywhere. Yet, India continues to progress rapidly. Meanwhile, within the country, there are those mired in the abyss of pessimism, echoing falsehoods and spreading despair. Rising above all this and cutting through these obstacles, the nation has achieved a growth rate of 7.8%. We must maintain this momentum. We must keep moving forward, and for that, becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat is essential," the prime minister said in a video posted on Instagram and X. PM Modi Photo Removed From Pune Polytechnic Principal’s Office, MNS Workers Booked (Video).
The prime minister said the latest figures demonstrated India's resilience at a time of global uncertainty, including conflicts, disrupted supply chains and continuing economic challenges.
PM Modi Targets ‘Jhooth Ki Goonj’
Modi also hit out at those spreading “jhooth ki goonj”, saying the latest numbers had torn through the narrative of their “despair” about the Indian economy.
The phrase is being seen as a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign, which seeks to connect with the country's youth.
The reference came as Modi used Instagram and a selfie-style format to communicate the latest economic figures, an approach aimed at connecting with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z.
India Retains Fastest-Growing Major Economy Tag
India’s economy grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of 2026-27, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s 7% forecast and retaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
The latest figure, however, represented a moderation from the 8.6% growth recorded in the previous quarter. It was nevertheless higher than the 6.9% growth registered during the corresponding quarter a year earlier. The stronger-than-expected quarterly performance comes against a backdrop of continued global economic uncertainty and disruptions to international supply chains.
PM Modi Calls Growth A ‘Herculean Feat’
PM Modi had earlier described the performance as a “herculean feat”, crediting the collective strength and hard work of Indians for the economy’s resilience. In his latest remarks, he again linked the economic performance to India's ability to withstand external pressures while maintaining growth.
The prime minister called for the momentum to continue and reiterated the importance of becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The 7.8% quarterly growth rate now puts the focus on whether India can sustain the pace in the coming quarters while navigating global conflicts, supply-chain disruptions and other economic challenges.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2026 09:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).