‘Reforms driving productivity’: FM Sitharaman highlights 8.2% GDP rise; says high-frequency indicators show continued momentum

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the July–September GDP growth of 8.2 per cent reflects the strength of the Indian economy and underscores the impact of reforms and fiscal consolidation.In a post on X, Sitharaman said, “Various high-frequency indicators also point to continued economic momentum and broad-based consumption growth.”Official data released earlier in the day showed the economy grew by a higher-than-expected 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2025-26 — a six-quarter high — supported by increased factory production following the GST rate cut, which helped offset deceleration in farm output.“The GDP estimates released today shows the robust economic growth and momentum of the Indian economy. With a Real GDP growth rate of 8.2 per cent for Q2 – FY 2025-26 (July-Sept), India is the world’s fastest growing major economy,” Sitharaman wrote.Real GDP has grown 8 per cent in the first half of the current financial year, she added.Sitharaman said the growth was driven by “sustained fiscal consolidation, targeted public investment, and various reforms that have strengthened productivity and improved ease of doing business”.She said the Narendra Modi-led NDA government is committed to sustaining this momentum and advancing reforms that support long-term economic expansion.