India can sustain around 7% growth despite global concerns: Nilesh Shah

New Delhi: India is likely to register around 7 per cent economic growth this year, with the momentum in the second quarter looking good despite concerns over higher oil prices and deficient rainfall, Nilesh Shah, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, said on Saturday.

Speaking to on the sidelines of the 5th edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Shah said he expected India's growth to remain around 7 per cent in the future.

"I think our growth will be around 7% in the future. The momentum of the second quarter is good. Obviously, there are concerns. Higher oil prices. Deficit of rain. But I expect 7% growth this year," Shah said.


On the possible impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis on the Indian economy, Shah said a rise in oil prices could affect the economy through multiple channels, including inflation, interest rates, the rupee, economic growth and corporate profitability.

"For us, the impact comes in different ways. When oil prices rise, inflation increases. Interest rates rise. The Rupee gets weak. Growth is impacted. Corporate profitability falls. So, there is an impact on earnings," he said.

Shah said the rise in oil prices was a key concern for the economy, referring to the potential impact across various economic indicators.

His comments came amid discussions at the Kautilya Economic Conclave on India's economic priorities and the challenges posed by global uncertainty.

Asked about the issue of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, Shah said the government had stated that there was no MDR on transactions below Rs 2,000.

He described UPI as "one of the best intermediation products in the world", but said maintaining the system required financial resources.

"Now, to maintain it, money is needed. We will not be able to free it forever," Shah said.

Drawing a comparison with international card companies, he said users had earlier accepted charges imposed by international card companies, but questioned why a small charge for UPI should be viewed differently.

"If you want good service, then you will have to pay for it," he said, comparing the potential UPI charge with toll payments for maintaining roads.

"Similarly, if you want good UPI, then you will have to pay some MDR," Shah said.