India well-positioned for sustained economic growth: FM Sitharaman
New Delhi, June 15
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said India has performed reasonably well on the economic front, but cautioned against taking the country's growth story for granted, stressing that continuous innovation, reforms and institutional strengthening are essential to sustain long-term momentum.
Speaking at Mindmine Summit 2026, the finance minister said economic growth alone is not sufficient and must be supported by robust institutions, effective policies and strong support systems to ensure durable and inclusive development.
"I know that our country is doing reasonably well, but we must continue to evaluate our performance carefully and identify areas where further improvement is needed," FM Sitharaman said.
She further noted that sustaining growth in a large and complex economy requires constant efforts to strengthen capabilities, improve efficiency and ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.
India's policy frameworks must remain robust and adaptable as the global economic environment continues to evolve, according to her.
"We should not assume that progress is guaranteed. Continuous effort, innovation, and reform are necessary to maintain momentum," she said.
FM Sitharaman pointed out that while several sectors have performed strongly, others continue to require policy attention, particularly those dealing with more complex and intermediate products and services.
Policymakers must continue to examine how long-standing challenges can be addressed, whether through structural reforms, better implementation or new policy approaches, she said.
These issues have been discussed for many years, and the key question remains, 'How will they be addressed going forward?' she said.
The government remains focused on preparing for future challenges and adapting policy responses to changing circumstances, according to FM Sitharaman.
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, she said some of its after-effects continue to influence planning and expectations, although no major disruptions are anticipated.
FM Sitharaman said the government would continue to monitor emerging developments closely and work towards strengthening India's long-term growth prospects.
Moreover, the minister highlighted that the government is preparing for a weaker monsoon due to the El Nino phenomenon.
"Some areas are going to be dry and some others are going to have excessive rain. That's a year-long concern. But this year, because of El Niño, I think we are preparing for a not-so-good monsoon," she said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to hear she's being realistic about the monsoon. Farmers in my village are already worried about kharif sowing. The govt needs to back these words with concrete support for agriculture, not just industry.
Interesting perspective from FM Sitharaman. India's growth story is indeed impressive, but the emphasis on continuous reform is crucial. As an observer from abroad, I see potential in India's digital infrastructure and manufacturing push. Let's hope policy implementation matches the vision.
She's spot on about the complex products segment—we still rely too much on imports for semiconductors and pharma intermediates. Atmanirbhar Bharat needs more than slogans; it needs R&D investment and skilled workforce. The monsoon alert is timely too. 🌀
FM says "evaluate carefully" but ground reality for small businesses is still tough. Paperwork, tax compliance, and access to credit remain nightmares for MSMEs. Growth is fine for big corporates, but what about the chaiwala and the local kirana store? 😕
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