New Delhi, India – Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi government following US President Donald Trump’s declaration that the “Indian economy is a dead economy” and his announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian imports.
Addressing the media outside Parliament, Gandhi asserted that Donald Trump had “stated a fact” and that “everyone, except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, is aware” of the true state of the Indian economy.
“Yes, he is correct. Except for the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, everyone is aware of this. The fact that the Indian economy is dying is well known. I’m happy that President Trump made a factual statement. The Indian economy is dying, as everyone in the world is aware,” Rahul Gandhi stated, further alleging, “The BJP has corrupted the economy to assist Adani.”
Allegations of PM Modi Working for “One Person” and Chaotic Governance
Gandhi continued his sharp criticism of Prime Minister Modi, claiming, “PM Modi just works for one person—Adani. This trade agreement between the US and India will happen, and PM Modi will follow Trump’s instructions to the letter.”
He further charged that the government’s policies have led to a breakdown across key sectors. “The government’s destruction of our foreign, defense, and economic policies is the primary problem facing India today. This nation is being run into the ground by them,” he added.
Criticism of Foreign Policy and PM’s Silence
Rahul Gandhi also took aim at External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament about “India having a genius foreign policy,” calling the Modi administration’s operations “complete chaos.”
“In his address, the foreign minister claims that our foreign strategy is brilliant. America is mistreating you, while China is supporting you at the same time. No nation criticizes Pakistan when you send a delegation to the globe. How is this nation being run? There is complete confusion,” he said.
Gandhi questioned PM Modi’s silence on Trump’s repeated assertions regarding an India-Pakistan ceasefire and other contentious claims. “The major point is that Trump has stated 30-32 times that he did a ceasefire. Five Indian planes had fallen, he said. Trump has now declared his intention to implement 25% tariffs. What is preventing PM Modi from responding? What’s the real reason? Who holds the reins of power?” Gandhi asked.
Trump’s “Dead Economies” Remark and Tariffs
Rahul Gandhi’s strong comments came in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s recent statements. Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Indian imports to the US starting August 1, and an “undisclosed fine” for India’s acquisition of military hardware and oil from Russia.
In a scathing attack on India and Russia’s strong ties, Trump suggested that they “can pull down their ‘dead economies’ together.”
“What India does with Russia doesn’t concern me. I don’t care if they tear down their respective dead economies simultaneously. India has extremely high tariffs, some of the highest in the world, and we have done very little business with them,” Trump had remarked.
This unexpected declaration from the US President comes just ahead of a scheduled visit by a US trade delegation to India on August 25 to negotiate a trade agreement, and it is widely seen as a pressure tactic to compel New Delhi to accede to US demands.
