India's Economic Rise Shows We Can Overcome Any Challenge: Chief Economic Adviser

India’s Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), V. Anantha Nageswaran, has said that India’s growth journey is unique and inspiring, especially for a country of such size and diversity working toward major change within a democracy.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi, Nageswaran said, “India has always been an exciting story. No other country this large and diverse is trying to make such a big economic and social transformation—and doing it successfully.”

He said India has moved from being a poor-income country to a lower-middle-income one, and that in uncertain times like these, it’s important to remember not just failures but also the successes.

“We often talk about challenges, but we must also look at what we’ve done right,” he said. “Recognizing our progress helps remind us that we are capable of overcoming anything.”

Nageswaran also praised the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, one of the oldest in eastern India, as it celebrated 125 years of service. He wished the organization “many more decades of meaningful contribution to the nation.”

When asked about the ongoing India-US trade talks, Nageswaran said discussions are happening and expressed hope that the issues would be resolved soon. His comments came following a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump on the occasion of Modi’s 75th birthday.

He noted that while global trade faces challenges—like tariff disputes and political tensions—India’s economy is well-prepared to handle shocks.

He credited India’s economic strength to years of reform, including improvements in digital and physical infrastructure and the formalization of small and medium businesses.

Overall, Nageswaran said India is on solid economic ground, and the country’s efforts over the past decade are now showing results. He encouraged the public to stay focused on progress and remain confident in India’s ability to rise further.