Bengaluru, Feb 15 (UN) India is set to sustain a growth rate of 6–8% in the coming years while keeping inflation under control, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, attributing the country’s economic resilience to structural reforms and strong policymaking. Speaking on reporters here on Saturday, Vaishnaw stressed on India's economic trajectory, highlighting how the country has transformed from being part of the Fragile Five a decade ago to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy today. Vaishnaw noted that between 2004 and 2014, India's economy had deteriorated, with investors losing confidence in its financial stability. However, since 2014, the government has focused on rebuilding institutions, strengthening the banking sector, and driving large-scale infrastructure development. He pointed out that the banking sector, which was in distress a decade ago, is now among the strongest globally, thanks to reforms such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) that have addressed non-performing assets and improved financial discipline. Infrastructure growth has played a critical role in sustaining economic expansion. Vaishnaw said that highway construction has more than doubled, railway modernisation has gained momentum, and new airports are being built at an unprecedented pace. He added that these developments have not only boosted connectivity but also created employment opportunities and enhanced the ease of doing business. The digital revolution has further strengthened India’s economic position. The minister recalled how, a decade ago, call drops were a major issue and getting a mobile connection was a challenge. Today, India has one of the world’s best 5G networks, with data rates lower than those in Europe and the United States. The fintech sector has also witnessed extraordinary growth, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) handling record transaction volumes, making India a global leader in digital payments. Addressing social welfare initiatives, Vaishnaw said that the government’s policies have focused on ensuring economic benefits reach all sections of society. He highlighted the impact of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has tripled Minimum Support Price (MSP) payouts for farmers, helping to reduce agrarian distress. He also noted that the number of IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS institutions has doubled, strengthening India’s education and healthcare systems. The MSME sector, a crucial component of the economy, has received better credit access and protection from delayed payments by large corporations, ensuring financial stability and business growth. Despite global headwinds such as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, India remains well-positioned to sustain its economic momentum. Vaishnaw asserted that with inflation under control, strong policy measures in place, and a focus on inclusive growth, the country is on track to maintain its high growth trajectory. He added that rising foreign investments, booming stock markets, and rapid advancements in digital and manufacturing sectors indicate a bright future for India's economy. The minister concluded by stating that the upcoming budget would further strengthen this foundation, ensuring long-term economic stability and inclusive development...////...