Target of USD 5 trillion economy is statement of intent: Niti

The government's target of achieving a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25 is a statement of intent, which sounds idealistic, a Niti Aayog official has said, asserting that "tough times" don't last as she dispelled concerns over economic slowdown.

Addressing a session organised by the Merchant Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) here on Monday, Chairperson of the National Committee on Financial Inclusion and Literacy - Niti Aayog Bindu Dalmia said the target has been so set to raise the bar of India's economic performance.

"For now, the ambitious USD 5 trillion economy target is a statement of intent, which sounds too idealistic," she said, adding that the country is well on the path to achieving it.

Dispelling concerns over the slowdown, Dalmia said that tough times don't last but tough nations do.

"There is no reason for irrational pessimism. Going forward, there is every reason for future optimism, as economic green shoots are beginning to appear, as gauged through