Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the UP International Trade Show 2026, defending India’s economic performance against critics. He highlighted recent upgrades from global rating agencies, which reflect confidence in India’s economic stability. Shah pointed out that the country has maintained steady GDP growth despite facing global economic challenges.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, we have signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries… these agreements have exponentially boosted our industries’ export potential, and we have sustained our growth despite facing various adversities. Shah said, “Today, the BrahMos missiles manufactured in UP give Pakistan sleepless nights; this is a prime indicator of the transformation taking place. “There are some cynical individuals who attempt to discredit India’s GDP figures… He added that India had not only sustained but accelerated its growth trajectory despite global challenges, reaffirming the government’s long-term target of making India the world’s leading economy by its 100th year of independence. “Despite global turmoil, unrest, and numerous hurdles, India has not only sustained its growth rate but accelerated it. I tell them: those whose own mindset is ‘dead’ cannot see vibrancy; all they see around them is lifelessness. This has fostered the development of defence products not just in Uttar Pradesh, but across the entire country. Citing specific examples of indigenous defence manufacturing, he highlighted Uttar Pradesh as proof of the region’s growing role in India’s defence production capabilities.
Moody’s has raised India’s growth forecast from 6% to 7%. Japan’s leading rating agency, JCR, has upgraded India’s sovereign rating from BBB+ to A-, and in the last quarter, India maintained its strong momentum by achieving a growth rate of 7.8%,” Shah said. I can state with full confidence before the world that we will realise the resolve PM Modi has shared with the people of India, that by August 15, 2047, India will be number one globally across all sectors,” he said. Similarly, the AK-203 assault rifles made in Amethi are giving sleepless nights to Naxalites and terrorists alike.” (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Responding sharply to critics who have described India’s economy as “dead,” Shah said, “Yet, some people perceive this as a ‘dead economy. He further said, “Those with a jaundiced view cannot bear to see India’s progress. Highlighting investments in India’s Defence Corridor, Shah said, “Investments for manufacturing defence equipment are flowing into all six nodes of the Defence Corridor – Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh, and Kanpur.
