Musk-shared IMF data backs FM’s claim: India a global growth engine
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New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India has emerged as one of the biggest drivers of global economic growth, highlighting an IMF chart shared by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk that shows India and China together contributing 43 per cent of worldwide GDP growth.
Speaking to university students in Parliament after presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, Sitharaman referred to a social media post reposted by Musk, which was based on IMF projections.
The chart showed that China contributes 26 per cent and India 17 per cent to global GDP growth, putting the two Asian economies ahead of the United States in driving global expansion.
Addressing the students, the FM said many young people actively follow social media and may have seen the post. She explained that Musk had reacted to the IMF data with surprise, noting how the balance of global economic power is shifting.
She said the figures clearly show India’s rising strength in the global economy. She added that Opposition should also recognise the country’s growing economic influence.
While acknowledging that China’s contribution is currently higher, the FM said India is steadily closing the gap and expressed confidence in the country’s long-term growth path.

