India’s economy grew by a stronger-than-expected 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2026-27, but leading economists Surjit Bhalla and Montek Singh Ahluwalia believe sustained higher growth will be necessary to achieve the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Both economists broadly rejected claims that the latest GDP figures were politically manipulated. However, they cautioned that a few quarters of strong growth would not be enough to transform India into a developed economy by 2047.
Bhalla argued that India would require sustained double-digit growth, particularly when measured in dollar terms, to reach developed-country status. Ahluwalia said India was “not yet” on track and stressed the need for a substantially higher long-term growth rate.
The economists also highlighted concerns about job creation and unequal distribution of economic growth. Ahluwalia warned that headline GDP growth does not automatically ensure broad-based development, especially for informal workers and lower-income groups.
Both experts emphasised the need for deeper economic reforms, greater global trade integration, lower barriers for businesses and policies that create productive employment.
The challenge for India, they said, is not simply maintaining strong GDP numbers but ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth over the next two decades.