Modi’s big appeal after 7.8% GDP growth: ‘Don’t travel abroad, avoid destination weddings’
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday posted a selfie-style video on Instagram, praising the country’s stronger-than-expected economic performance in the first quarter of 2026-27 and urging people to cut back on overseas travel, destination weddings and unnecessary gold purchases.
India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or GDP at constant prices, for the first quarter (Q1) of FY 2026-27 was estimated at ₹81.36 lakh crore, compared with ₹75.46 lakh crore in Q1 of FY 2025-26, registering a growth of 7.8%, according to government data released on Monday.
In the video, filmed in Kyrgyzstan, where Modi is currently visiting, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of India over the economic growth.
“Many congratulations to the people of the country. 7.8% growth has filled the country with happiness and joy,” Modi said.
He said India had continued to make progress despite uncertainty around the world.
Also Read: India beats the odds with 7.8% GDP growth; PM Modi has a message for critics
“There is news of war from across the world. There is crisis all around the globe. The supply chain has been badly disrupted,” he said.
“From the Covid era in 2020 till today, stability is not visible anywhere,” Modi added, referring to the prolonged global disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite all these problems, India progressed at a fast pace,” he said.
Emphasising the government's focus on ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Modi urged Indians to maintain the momentum of economic growth.
“We need to continue this pace of development,” he said.
The Prime Minister also appealed to people to prioritise domestic tourism and spending.
“Do not travel abroad for tourism. Avoid hosting destination weddings in foreign countries. We should follow the mantra of ‘wed in India’. If possible, avoid buying gold as well,” he said.
In an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign, Modi said some people were still engaged in spreading “jhooth ki goonj (echo of lies)” and “nirasha (despair).”
Modi had welcomed the GDP figures on Monday shortly after the data was released, describing the 7.8% growth as a “herculean feat”.
In a post on X, he attributed the strong economic performance to the resilience of Indians despite global challenges.
India’s exemplary GDP growth of 7.8% during Q1 of FY 2026-27 is a herculean feat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2026
The collective strength of our people ensured India delivered such growth despite oil price shocks and supply chain issues in the midst of global uncertainties.
Doomsayers were doomed and India…
“India’s exemplary GDP growth of 7.8% during Q1 of FY 2026-27 is a herculean feat,” Modi said.
“The collective strength of our people ensured India delivered such growth despite oil price shocks and supply chain issues in the midst of global uncertainties,” the Prime Minister added.
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