In a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump’s recent jibe about India’s economy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday night asserted that India is on an unshakable growth trajectory and cannot be slowed down by external pressures.
Speaking at the Har Ghar Tiranga programme in Vijayawada, Naidu—an ally of the ruling NDA at the Centre—said the world will soon witness which economies thrive and which falter. His remarks came in response to Trump’s “dead economy” comment, which has sparked political and economic debate across India.
“We are the fastest-growing economy in the world, and no one can compete with us right now,” Naidu said, noting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has advanced from the 11th largest economy to the 4th largest globally. He emphasised that India’s economic foundation is strong, its global services are in high demand, and its position as an emerging power is undeniable.
Projecting a bold vision for the nation’s future, Naidu added, “By 2047, ours will be the strongest country and economy in the world. The future will decide which economies are dead—we are already emerging as a global leader.”
Trade Barriers Won’t Halt India’s Rise
Naidu directly addressed concerns over the latest wave of trade restrictions and tariffs imposed by the US, saying such hurdles are temporary irritants that cannot derail India’s growth story.
“Taxes, tariffs, and duties are being imposed with the thought that they can slow us down. These are short-term obstacles,” he said. “India’s growth cannot be stopped or shaken by some people causing difficulties for us.”
His comments were particularly relevant to Andhra Pradesh, where shrimp farming is a major economic activity. The industry is facing a steep challenge following Trump’s announcement of an additional 25% tariff on Indian shrimp exports—on top of the 25% duty already in place, plus a 5.76% countervailing duty and a 3.96% anti-dumping duty.
According to trade data, India’s seafood exports in 2024–25 reached $7.38 billion, with a total export volume of 1.78 million metric tonnes.
Shrimp remains the dominant export, constituting 92% of India’s seafood trade, and the US alone accounts for over 40% of total shrimp exports. Industry experts fear that the compounded tariffs—totalling 59.72%—will significantly impact India’s competitiveness in the American market.
Praise for Modi’s Foreign Policy and Strong Leadership
In his address, Naidu also lauded Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic and security achievements, citing his handling of international terrorism and the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Naidu said it was a tragic incident, but stressed that India’s response was firm and proportionate. He underscored that while India maintains a non-interference policy in the internal affairs of other nations, it will not tolerate any form of external meddling.
“We have a strong leader in PM Modi, and the country will not bow to anyone,” he declared, positioning India as a nation ready to protect its sovereignty while nurturing global partnerships.
Har Ghar Tiranga – A Unifying Mission
Naidu concluded his speech by reaffirming his commitment to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, describing it as a symbol of national unity and integrity that transcends religion, caste, and language. The campaign, part of the larger Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, aims to instill pride in the tricolour and strengthen India’s collective identity.
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