Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday endorsed US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s explosive characterization of India as a “dead economy,” arguing that the former US President had merely voiced what the world already knows but the Indian government continues to deny. His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over the Indian government’s economic trajectory and trade diplomacy, particularly with the US and Russia.
“He’s Right”: Rahul Gandhi’s Direct Endorsement
In a striking alignment with Trump’s recent comments, Gandhi, also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, told reporters, “Yes, he is right. Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I am glad President Trump has stated a fact.” He further alleged that the BJP-led government has destroyed the economy to benefit corporate giants like Adani.
Gandhi later took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to list out what he called the “Modi-made disaster” that led to economic stagnation:
“THE INDIAN ECONOMY IS DEAD. Modi killed it.
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Adani-Modi partnership
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Demonetisation and a flawed GST
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Failed ‘Assemble in India’
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MSMEs wiped out
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Farmers crushed.”
He concluded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies have “destroyed the future of India’s youth because there are no jobs.”
Trump’s Tirade Against India and Russia
The controversy stems from a statement Donald Trump posted on Truth Social where he announced steep tariffs and took aim at both India and Russia. “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump said, justifying his 25% tariff on Indian imports. He also criticized India’s high tariffs, calling them “among the highest in the world.”
The former US President didn’t stop there. In an aggressive tone directed at Russia, Trump warned, “Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”
Mounting Economic and Diplomatic Pressure
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks arrive at a time when the Indian government is facing increasing pressure over its economic performance, especially as key indicators show a troubling slowdown in job creation, MSME revival, and rural demand. Trump’s comments, though diplomatically provocative, have added fuel to domestic criticism led by opposition parties ahead of crucial parliamentary sessions.
As global power dynamics shift and protectionist policies gain momentum, the Modi government now finds itself confronting not only internal political heat but also a resurgence of unpredictable rhetoric from across the Atlantic.
