India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 is achievable, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shaktikanta Das said at the fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 in New Delhi. Das, who previously served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, said the vision of Viksit Bharat remains within the realm of possibility, while stressing the importance of sustaining the country’s economic momentum.
Das pointed to India’s recent economic performance, noting that real GDP growth stood at 7.8 per cent in the first quarter. He attributed the performance to strong domestic demand and investment conditions, while cautioning that uncertainty in the global environment could weigh on economic growth. He also said India’s average growth over the five years from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2026 was 7.9 per cent.
Addressing the broader global economic situation, Das said the ideas and lessons associated with ancient Indian strategist Kautilya remain relevant at a time of geopolitical tensions, wars and volatility in energy prices. He pointed to high public debt in several major economies and said India’s resilience had been supported by stronger governance, state capacity and macroeconomic stability. Prudent management of the external sector, he added, had also contributed to economic stability.
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Das said achieving the Viksit Bharat objective would require India to sustain its growth trajectory while strengthening the foundations of long-term development. He identified areas including the transition towards clean energy, climate leadership, artificial intelligence and strategic self-reliance as important components of the country’s development path. He also emphasised that investment in productive capacity would remain important for maintaining economic resilience.
The three-day Kautilya Economic Conclave was held under the theme “Resilience in an Age of Flux”, with discussions focusing on global economic disruptions, trade fragmentation, investment, technology and India’s economic priorities. The event brought together policymakers, economists, academics, financial experts and international participants to examine challenges facing the global economy and possible approaches to strengthening resilience.
Das stressed that maintaining strong economic growth would be critical as India works towards its 2047 development goal. His remarks came amid continuing policy discussions around how the country can sustain investment, strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals and respond to global uncertainty while pursuing the longer-term Viksit Bharat vision.
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