New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at critics questioning India’s latest GDP figures, saying those who once pushed the country into the “Fragile Five” were now finding it difficult to accept India’s emergence as the fastest-growing major economy.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi, Modi cited 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter as evidence of economic resilience despite West Asia tensions and global trade disruptions.
Reviving his “half-filled glass” analogy from his 2013 SRCC address, Modi said some people continued to see India’s progress negatively.
He contrasted the current situation with 2013, when India faced high inflation, a record current account deficit, slowing industrial growth, corruption allegations and what he described as “policy paralysis”.
Modi also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, saying nearly 60 crore bank accounts had been opened in 12 years and accusing critics of opposing financial inclusion and supporting a “mai-baap” culture.
On manufacturing, he recalled criticism of his “Make in India” pitch, saying India now exports mobile phones worth over ₹2.5 lakh crore annually and is moving towards becoming a global manufacturing and innovation hub.
He also criticised habitual opponents as “Dimagi Naxals” and “Naraz Fufa”, while citing UPI, high-speed rail and other major projects.
During the event, Modi released a commemorative ₹100 coin marking SRCC’s centenary.
