India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, has said the country should aim at achieving up to 8.5 per cent growth in its economy even when global economic conditions are weak.
Forecasts for India's GDP growth have been cut to as low as 4.9 per cent for this year.
"We cannot be satisfied with the status quo," said Mr Singh. "Our growth should be maintained at the level of 8 to 8.5 per cent regardless of what happens in the world economy.
"We must learn to swim and swim fast enough whatever be the circumstances."
India's economy has been affected in recent months by factors including slow decision-making on important economic reforms, as well as the slowdown in Europe, which negatively impacts India's exports.
"Even if the international demand is not there, domestic demand should drive the investment and our endeavours," said Mr Singh. "We are a government determined to overcome difficulties."
