7.8% GDP growth: No foreign trips, overseas weddings or unnecessary gold purchases says PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Indians after the country's economy recorded 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter, while urging citizens to strengthen the push for Swadeshi and self-reliance.

In a video message shared on Instagram from Kyrgyzstan, Modi said the strong growth reflected the collective determination and hard work of the people.

"Many congratulations to the people of the country. 7.8% growth has filled the country with happiness. I congratulate the countrymen for their power of resolve, for their hard work; this is a reflection of collective strength," the Prime Minister said.

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Modi highlights global challenges

Modi said India achieved the growth despite wars, geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions to global supply chains.

"The world is drowned in war. There is news of war all around. The world is surrounded by crises. The supply chain is completely disturbed. From the Covid era in 2020 till today, stability is not visible anywhere. Despite that, India is progressing at a fast pace," he said.

Official data released on Monday showed that India's economy expanded by 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2026-27, exceeding expectations despite concerns over the impact of the Iran conflict and wider global uncertainty.

'Don't travel abroad for tourism'

The Prime Minister called on citizens to give greater preference to Indian products and services and reduce spending abroad.

"Don't travel to foreign countries for tourism. Avoid organising destination weddings in foreign countries. We should live by the mantra of 'Wed in India'. Avoid buying gold if it's not necessary," Modi said.

He said choosing locally made products and services would contribute to India's economic progress.

Focus on self-reliance

Modi said continued emphasis on Swadeshi and self-reliance would help India achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation.

"If we continue to emphasise self-reliance, I have full faith that when we reach 100 years of independence, we will hand over a developed India to our youth," he said.

He also urged citizens to use the country's latest economic growth as an opportunity to work towards building a Viksit Bharat.

"We will realise the dreams of our youth today through our hard work. Our policy is right. Our intention is clear. And the power of 140 crore countrymen today, united, is taking the country to new heights," Modi said.

Modi's earlier appeal

In May this year, Modi had made a similar appeal for greater public participation amid global supply-chain disruptions, rising prices and uncertainty caused by international conflicts.

At the time, he urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, use public transport, consider electric vehicles and work from home wherever possible. He had also asked people to avoid unnecessary foreign travel and overseas weddings for a year.

The Prime Minister had further appealed to citizens to avoid non-essential gold purchases and promote Made in India products.