New Delhi

India’s economy is expected to grow around 7 per cent in the current fiscal year, slightly above the 6.6 per cent projected by the IMF in October, said Gita Gopinath, former IMF chief economist.

Speaking at the Times Network India Economic Conclave 2025, Gopinath noted that the IMF’s October forecast did not account for India’s robust 8.2 per cent GDP growth in Q2 (July–September 2025). “Just doing the math, I would expect that India’s GDP growth would go up close to 7 per cent,” she said.

The Reserve Bank of India recently raised its FY26 growth forecast to 7.3 per cent from 6.8 per cent. Gopinath said maintaining sustained growth of around 8 per cent over decades will require continuous reforms and strong policy measures.

On global trade, she highlighted that while US tariffs on Indian goods had pushed up prices and inflation, peak tariff rates are likely behind. She stressed the importance of India-US cooperation to resolve trade tensions and said India’s economic performance remains resilient despite global uncertainties.

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Gopinath also commented on IMF policy, noting that the institution aims to assist countries facing crises while balancing economic prudence with social and geopolitical challenges.