Mumbai, Sep 3 (PTI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday hailed India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter of FY 25-26 and said the Opposition's "negative mindset" was unable to digest the country's rapid economic progress.

Addressing a function at CSMT via video link from Delhi to flag off the CSMT‑Sawantwadi Road Express, Goyal said strong growth was taking India to new heights and enhancing its image globally as a "trusted partner".

Targeting the Opposition, he said its leaders, whose work is to only oppose, are worried they will be left "unemployed" if the country progressed rapidly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Asserting that strong growth under PM Modi was taking the country to new heights, Goyal said India's growing global standing was also reflected in the increasing international demand for Indian talent and skilled manpower.

The Union minister said during his recent visit to Japan, he was told that the country needed around three lakh people "as soon as possible", while a German minister had also told him that Germany needed around one lakh people from India every year.

"There is demand for India's talent, skills and human resources at the international level. The world recognises the talent and skills of India," he said.

Goyal said rising exports would further strengthen India's position as a reliable global partner and create more opportunities for businesses and skilled workers.

The development vision of PM Modi had given wings to the vision of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with the Centre now spending more than Rs 12 lakh crore annually on infrastructure, he pointed out.

"Such infrastructure would make the movement of people easier, simplify transportation and improve connectivity, while giving a boost to exports and trade. I think this is the path of the country's progress and the way to work for the country," Goyal said.

He said the government aimed to build a developed India by 2047 and estimated that Maharashtra could become a USD 5 trillion economy by then.

Goyal said infrastructure push would create a bright future for every young person in Maharashtra by opening up new opportunities for employment, business and growth.

Railway infrastructure was also expanding rapidly across the country, with new railway lines and doubling of existing lines being undertaken, he said.

Goyal said improved connectivity would strengthen Maharashtra's position as an industrial and commercial hub and support the state's growth in trade and exports.

The people of Mumbai and Konkan were happy with the country's economic performance and credited Modi's leadership for India's progress, he added. PTI KK BNM