Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 8, 2026 ~1 min source read

‘Trust deficit’: Why India’s economic data has sparked a furore

India's statistical system once commanded respect, and its data on economic and social indicators was considered rigorous – that appears to have eroded • Don't get This is India delivered to your inbox? Last week, India released glowing GDP numbers for the latest quarter – 7.8% growth – higher than the forecast 7%.

‘Trust deficit’: Why India’s economic data has sparked a furore

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India's statistical system once commanded respect, and its data on economic and social indicators was considered rigorous – that appears to have eroded • Don't get This is India delivered to your inbox?

Last week, India released glowing GDP numbers for the latest quarter – 7.8% growth – higher than the forecast 7%.

Subhash Garg, a former finance secretary under Narendra Modi's government and now a critic, reframed what Modi called a "herculean feat" as mere smoke and mirrors.

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India's statistical system once commanded respect, and its data on economic and social indicators was considered rigorous – that appears to have eroded • Don't get This is India delivered to your inbox? Last week, India released glowing GDP numbers for the latest quarter – 7.8% growth – higher than the forecast 7%. Subhash Garg, a former finance secretary under Narendra Modi's government and now a critic, reframed what Modi called a "herculean feat" as mere smoke and mirrors.

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  • According to Garg, the government revised last year's current-price GDP downwards to inflate this year's number – he believes the real growth is only 2.6%.

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