Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Indians after the country recorded 7.8% economic growth in the April-June quarter of 2026 and called for renewed efforts towards building an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Speaking from Kyrgyzstan, where he is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Modi said the growth figure reflected the collective efforts and determination of Indians despite global instability.
“Many congratulations to the people of the country. 7.8% growth has filled the country with happiness. I congratulate the countrymen for their power of resolve, for their hard work; this is a reflection of collective strength,” Modi said in a video message shared on social media.
Modi Says India Growing Despite Global Crises
The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing conflicts, disrupted supply chains and uncertainty that have affected the global economy in recent years.
“The world is drowned in war. There is news of war all around. The world is surrounded by crises. The supply chain is completely disturbed,” he said.
Referring to the economic uncertainty since the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi said stability had remained elusive globally but India had continued to grow rapidly.
“Since the Covid era in 2020 till today, stability is not visible anywhere. Despite that, India is progressing at a fast pace,” he said.
Government data released on Monday showed that India’s GDP expanded by 7.8% in the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, up from 6.9% during the same period last year. The growth was also higher than the Reserve Bank of India’s 7% forecast.
PM Modi Appeals for ‘Swadeshi’
Modi said maintaining economic momentum would require citizens to support domestic products and services.
“We must embrace the mantra of ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Vocal for Local’,” he said, urging people to give preference to Indian-made products.
The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to avoid non-essential foreign travel and overseas weddings.
“Don’t travel to foreign countries for tourism. Avoid organising destination weddings in foreign countries. We should live by the mantra of ‘Wed in India’,” Modi said.
He also asked people to avoid buying gold unless necessary, arguing that such measures could help India deal with economic pressures arising from global conflicts and supply-chain disruptions.
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Needed for Viksit Bharat
Modi said greater reliance on domestic products and services would strengthen India’s self-reliance and contribute to the goal of a developed India.
“If we continue to emphasise self-reliance, I have full faith that when we reach 100 years of independence, we will hand over a developed India to our youth,” he said.
He also urged citizens to remain focused on India’s development despite what he described as pessimism and negative narratives within the country.
“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%,” Modi said.
He added, “We must maintain this momentum. We must keep moving forward, and for that, becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat is essential.”
PM Calls for Collective Effort
Modi said India’s economic progress would depend on the collective efforts of its citizens.
“Our policies are sound, and our intentions are pure. The combined strength of 1.4 billion Indians is uniting to take the nation to new heights,” he said.
The Prime Minister had made similar appeals earlier this year, asking citizens to reduce fuel consumption, use public transport, promote electric vehicles, buy Indian products and avoid unnecessary overseas travel and weddings amid global economic uncertainty.
