Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to Donald Trump's recent "dead economy" remark about India with a strong but indirect rebuttal, emphasizing India's resilience and its impending rise as the world's third-largest economy. At a rally in Varanasi, Modi stressed India's need to protect its economic interests amid global instability and called on citizens and all political parties to support indigenous production, urging the nation to be "vocal for local" and prioritize buying Indian-made goods.
Trump's comments came in the context of newly announced 25% US tariffs on Indian exports, and additional threats tied to India's continued trade with Russia. While Modi did not name Trump directly, his remarks were widely perceived as a retort to the criticism, underlining India's economic progress and determination to withstand external pressures. Modi's message focused on economic self-reliance and unity, reiterating support for farmers, small industries, and youth employment.
The "dead economy" jab has sparked a range of political reactions in India, with opposition figures such as Rahul Gandhi using Trump's words to criticize Modi, while other leaders like Shashi Tharoor downplayed the remark, calling it childish and warning against taking such rhetoric literally.
In summary, Modi’s response was a call for economic nationalism and resilience in the face of external criticism and new trade barriers, positioning India as a robust and ascending economy despite international challenges.