India GDP grows 7.8% in Q1, Modi calls it 'herculean feat'

India's real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY2026-27, surpassing the RBI's 7% projection, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call it a "herculean feat" amid global challenges. The government attributes the growth to strong domestic demand and momentum in manufacturing and services, achieved despite oil-price shocks, supply-chain disruptions, and global uncertainty. The figure has sparked debate, with critics questioning the revised GDP methodology and base year, while the government defends the changes as reflecting improved data collection rather than manipulation.