Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 6 June chaired a high-level meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) in New Delhi, where economists and policy experts deliberated on strategies to sustain India's growth momentum, reinforce macroeconomic resilience, and navigate a turbulent global environment shaped by the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to officials. The session underscores the government's intent to stay ahead of external shocks at a time when India's economy is posting some of its strongest growth numbers in years.

Key Discussions at the Meeting

The council's agenda spanned a wide range of economic priorities. Members exchanged views with PM Modi on policy levers to maintain India's growth trajectory while guarding macroeconomic stability. Deliberations also covered structural reforms to improve ease of living and ease of doing business, with a focus on enhancing governance efficiency, cutting compliance burdens, and fostering a more investment-friendly environment.

A dedicated segment of the discussions examined the direct and indirect implications of the West Asia conflict on India and the broader global economy. Concerns around energy markets, disrupted trade routes, and wider economic stability featured prominently, given that prolonged regional tensions continue to inject uncertainty into global commodity and financial markets.

India's Growth Backdrop

The meeting comes against a broadly positive domestic economic backdrop. India's GDP growth was estimated at a robust 7.8 per cent in the January–March quarter (Q4) of 2025-26, with the full financial year clocking 7.7 per cent expansion — driven by strong performances in agriculture, construction, and services. India continues to rank among the fastest-growing major economies globally, even as peers grapple with slowing demand, supply chain stress, and geopolitical headwinds.

The West Asia Risk Factor

India imports a significant share of its energy requirements, making it acutely sensitive to crude oil price swings triggered by regional instability. Officials noted that the government has been closely monitoring developments in West Asia, given the potential for sustained conflict to influence crude prices and disrupt international trade flows. Any sharp rise in energy costs could pressure India's current account and inflation trajectory — two variables the advisory council is keeping a close watch on.

About the EAC-PM

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister is a body of independent economists and policy experts that provides the government with non-partisan inputs on economic and developmental issues, advises on long-term growth priorities, and flags emerging macroeconomic trends. Its recommendations inform but do not bind government policy, lending the body an advisory rather than executive character.

With global uncertainty showing no signs of rapid resolution, the council's next set of recommendations is expected to feed into the government's mid-year policy review.