The Central Government of India has firmly rebutted U.S. President Donald Trump’s scathing remarks describing India as a “dead economy,” calling the comment baseless and misleading, while reaffirming India’s trajectory as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Responding in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that India has emerged from the label of the ‘Fragile Five’ within a decade and risen to become a global economic force due to bold reforms, resilient industries, and the hard work of its farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs.
In less than a decade, India transitioned from being part of the ‘Fragile Five’ to becoming the world’s fastest-growing economy. Through robust structural reforms and people-driven progress, we have jumped from the 11th largest to among the top five economies, and in just a few years, we’re set to become the third largest economy globally, Goyal asserted in Parliament.
He further emphasized that major international economic institutions and economists now view India as a “bright spot” amidst global slowdown fears and geopolitical uncertainties.
Trump’s Remarks Spark Diplomatic Pushback
The strong Indian response came after Donald Trump aimed at both India and Russia during a public address, criticising their strategic ties. In his remarks, Trump said:
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We’ve done very little business with India—their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world.”
Trump’s comments were widely interpreted as a sharp escalation of trade tensions following his administration’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Indian goods on July 30, citing protectionist concerns and “unfair” trade barriers.
India, in turn, issued a measured but firm response, stating it is “studying the implications” of the new U.S. tariff policy and taking “all necessary steps to safeguard national interest.”
New Delhi reaffirmed its commitment to a “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trade relationship with the United States, emphasizing the need for equity and mutual respect in global economic partnerships.
India’s Global Economic Climb
Underlining India’s economic progress, the government stressed how the country’s GDP growth, expanding digital infrastructure, and rising manufacturing capacity are transforming it into a central player in the global economy.
From expanding exports and creating a robust startup ecosystem to advancing indigenous manufacturing under ‘Make in India’, India is reshaping its economic future while offering global investors a stable and scalable market.
As global powers navigate fragmented supply chains, inflation shocks, and geopolitical rifts, India stands out not only as a demographic powerhouse but as a key driver of demand and innovation.
A Growing Rift?
While both India and the U.S. have built deepening strategic and defence ties in recent years—especially under forums like the Quad—the recent statements by Trump could fuel diplomatic unease, especially as trade tensions linger and election rhetoric escalates in the U.S. ahead of 2024.
Nonetheless, Indian officials have made it clear: India will defend its economic sovereignty, pursue global partnerships on its terms, and not be intimidated by political posturing.
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