PM Modi Hits Out at Critics Over India's 7.8% GDP Growth, Says 'Glass Always Half-Empty'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at critics questioning India’s latest GDP figures, saying that some people were unable to accept the country’s strong economic growth despite global challenges.

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce in New Delhi, PM Modi said India’s 7.8% quarterly GDP growth had strengthened confidence in the country’s economy at a time of geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global trade.

The Prime Minister said those who had earlier been associated with India being described as part of the “Fragile Five” were now finding it difficult to accept the country’s economic progress.

Modi contrasted India’s current economic position with 2013, when the country was included among the “Fragile Five”, a group of emerging economies considered vulnerable to global financial shocks.

“The world was calling India one of the ‘Fragile Five’. Today, the world is watching India become the fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said.

He said the latest 7.8% GDP growth figure reflected the strength and resilience of the Indian economy, particularly amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and challenges facing global trade.

PM Modi also referred to a recent upgrade in India’s sovereign rating by a Japanese credit rating agency, describing it as another indication of growing confidence in the country's economic performance.

According to the Prime Minister, India’s economic expansion is not only strengthening the country’s global position but is also creating new opportunities for employment and growth.

Taking a swipe at critics of the government’s economic record, Modi said that some people continued to view India's progress negatively regardless of the economic data.

“For them, the glass will always be half empty,” the Prime Minister said while responding to criticism surrounding the latest GDP figures.

The remarks come amid an ongoing debate over India's GDP data and the methodology used to calculate the country’s latest economic growth figures. While the 7.8% quarterly growth number has been defended by supporters of the government's methodology, critics have raised questions about data revisions and transparency.

PM Modi's comments underline the government's position that India remains on a strong growth trajectory despite global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and trade-related challenges.