Overview
- Real GDP rose 7.8% in Q1 FY26, with services and manufacturing leading the gains.
- The Economic Survey’s 6.3–6.8% projection is now surpassed by the CEA’s latest comfort level.
- He said he will wait for second‑quarter data before projecting a 7% full‑year pace.
- Recent GST rate cuts and income‑tax relief, alongside stronger private capex and foreign inflows, are cited as demand tailwinds.
- He added that resolving US–India trade frictions or clinching a bilateral deal would present an upside to the outlook.