India’s economic growth may slip below 7% in the second half of this financial year. But the full year could still average 7.2%, economist Madan Sabnavis told ANI.

Sabnavis expects growth of 7.5 to 7.6% in the second quarter, after 7.8% in the first quarter. Growth would then slow below 7% in the third and fourth quarters. He blamed the impact of the monsoon and a possible slowdown in consumption.

A new GDP series has lifted the base for the first half, he said. That support will fade in the second half.

Looking further ahead, Sabnavis sees India’s potential growth at 8%. He hopes it can be reached in 2027-28, and expects India to be “well above the 8% mark” by 2028-29.

The timing will depend on the global environment, oil prices, geopolitical developments and tariffs, he said.

The forecast keeps India among the world’s fastest-growing major economies even as the pace cools.