FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s First Reaction On Better Than Expected GDP Growth Figures For Q1

With India's economy recording a strong 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of financial year 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the numbers reflect the hard work of Indian citizens despite global challenges. Speaking at the G20 Finance Ministers' Summit in Asheville, North Carolina, she highlighted that growth was visible across sectors. Manufacturing expanded 9.2%, while financial and professional services grew 12.1%. She also pointed out that India's foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $700 billion mark. In a conversation with IANS, the Finance Minister said reforms, digitalisation, UPI and QR-based payments have strengthened the economy and helped small and medium businesses access global markets. Sitharaman added that sustained growth momentum will support India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Watch the full report to understand what the latest GDP numbers mean for India's economic journey.