October 11, 2025

Pune is buzzing with good news! Shaktikanta Das, the Principal Secretary to PM Narendra Modi, told a big crowd on Saturday that India is set to contribute about one-fifth of the world's GDP growth. The secret? Strong local demand and smart economic policies that helped India stand strong even when the world got shaky. Das spoke at the famous 85th Kale memorial lecture at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune. His topic? "Indian Economy in a changing global order." He said that the world economy is facing some big, never-seen-before challenges. The old rules of free trade and globalization, which ruled for over 80 years, are now being tested. The idea that the world is one flat market, where every country focuses on what it does best, is shifting. "The global economy and trade have become more broken up," Das said. He explained how COVID and the Ukraine-Russia conflict have pushed many countries to rethink their trade and become more self-reliant. "Strategic autonomy is now a top priority," he added. India’s journey, guided by the call for "aatmanirbhar Bharat," or self-reliant India, has helped it face many global storms. Thanks to strong domestic demand and careful economic choices, India has handled many external shocks well. Das proudly mentioned, "India is now poised to contribute about one-fifth of the world's GDP growth." When it comes to trade agreements, India is making big moves. It is already part of 14 free trade agreements (FTAs) and six preferential trade agreements (PTAs). Recently, India signed new FTAs with countries like the UK, Australia, and the UAE. In March 2024, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries—like Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland—signed a major Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. And the action doesn’t stop there! India is currently negotiating FTAs with big players like the US, the EU, Peru, Oman, and New Zealand. Das emphasized, "The priority of our trade negotiations is to secure fair and balanced agreements in the best interest of our nation and people." He encouraged everyone to remember that strong basics and bold reforms are what keep India moving ahead in a confusing global landscape. "These factors have enabled India to navigate through the tumultuous world order," he said. In short, India is playing a smart, strong game in a fast-changing world, ready to shine as a global economic superstar!

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Tags: India gdp growth, Shaktikanta das, Free trade agreements, Global economy, India trade policy, Aatmanirbhar bharat,