Modi Heads Into Strategy Session With Economic Advisory Council as Global Turbulence Persists

New Delhi – On a breezy morning at the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down with the members of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) for a candid, behind‑the‑scenes review of the nation’s economic playbook. The gathering, held on Tuesday, came at a time when the world is still wrestling with lingering pandemic after‑effects, soaring commodity prices and geopolitical frictions that have rattled markets everywhere.

Modi opened the session by acknowledging the “unsettling” global environment, noting that while India’s growth trajectory remains solid, the external shock‑absorbers – trade, investment, and capital flows – are being tested. He urged the council to look beyond the headline numbers and dig deep into the structural levers that can keep the economy humming, even when the winds outside are gusty.

The council, comprised of senior economists, former bureaucrats and industry veterans, presented a mixed bag of data. On the one hand, India’s GDP expanded at a respectable 7.2 % in the last quarter, outpacing many peers. On the other, inflationary pressures in food and energy are nudging consumer spending toward the brakes. The advisors highlighted three focal points: tightening fiscal discipline without stifling growth, accelerating infrastructure projects to create jobs, and bolstering export‑oriented sectors that can weather global demand swings.

In a moment that felt almost like a brainstorming session at a coffee shop, the panel debated the merits of expanding the fiscal deficit versus tapping into sovereign wealth funds for strategic investments. “We need a calibrated approach,” said one senior economist, “one that leverages public‑private partnerships without inflating the debt burden.” The Prime Minister nodded, stressing that any fiscal easing must be tied to measurable outcomes – be it new highways, renewable energy parks, or digital connectivity upgrades.

Another point of discussion was the push for a “green recovery.” With climate commitments looming, the council suggested channeling a slice of stimulus money into clean‑energy projects, especially solar and wind farms in the western states. This, they argued, could create a dual dividend: jobs for the youth and a step toward meeting India’s carbon‑reduction targets.

Wrapping up, Modi asked the council to present a concise action plan within two weeks, emphasizing that speed is essential but not at the cost of prudence. He reminded everyone that India’s resilience has always stemmed from its ability to adapt, innovate, and stay focused on long‑term goals despite short‑term turbulence.

As the meeting adjourned, the atmosphere was a blend of cautious optimism and sober realism. The Economic Advisory Council walks out with a clear mandate – to fine‑tune policy levers, propose targeted reforms, and help steer the country through the foggy global economic landscape that lies ahead.