New Delhi, Sept. 3 -- The government on Monday released gross domestic product (GDP) data, pegging India's economic growth for the first quarter of 2026-27 at a strong 7.8% despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and a tariff war. Opposition parties and some experts have questioned these numbers. Is there any merit in their allegations? Mint explains.

Yes. The 7.8% growth in the GDP did beat expectations. In the first quarter of FY26, the economy posted a growth of just 6.8%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its August monetary policy review, estimated June-quarter growth at 7%. In late August, Mint polled 21 economists, who pegged GDP growth at 7.4%. The faster pace of growth has been achieved amid a tariff war and a...