Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday strongly endorsed former US President Donald Trump’s recent comments describing the Indian economy as a “dead economy.” Gandhi seized the opportunity to criticise the Narendra Modi-led government, accusing it of economic mismanagement and favouring industrialist Gautam Adani over national interest.
“Yes, he is right, everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact. The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. The BJP has finished the economy to help Adani,” Gandhi said during a press interaction.
Gandhi Slams Government Silence Over 25% Tariff, Adani Links
The Congress MP further questioned the Modi government’s silence following Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian imports, starting August 1. The penalty, according to Trump, is a consequence of India’s continued oil trade with Russia and “obnoxious” trade barriers.
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Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, “While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high — among the highest in the world — and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”
Rahul Gandhi demanded answers from Prime Minister Modi on the series of claims made by Trump. “Trump has claimed 30–32 times that he made a ceasefire. He also said that 5 Indian jets had fallen. Trump now says that he will impose 25 percent tariffs. Why is PM Modi not able to give an answer? What is the actual reason? Who has control in his hands?” he asked.
He also alleged that the India-US trade deal would go through on terms dictated by Trump and that PM Modi “works only for one person: Adani.”
“The main issue sitting in front of India today is that the government has destroyed our economy, defence and foreign policy. They are running this country into the ground,” Gandhi added.
India Awaits Outcome of Trade Talks
In response to the US tariffs, the Indian government has stated that it is reviewing the implications and remains committed to finalising a fair bilateral trade agreement. However, the political fallout over Trump’s remarks and Gandhi’s endorsement has intensified scrutiny over the government’s economic handling and foreign policy posture.
