India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Thursday, accusing it of destroying the country’s economic, defence, and foreign policies.
Speaking to reporters outside parliament, the Congress Party leader claimed that the Modi administration was “running the country into the ground.”
Gandhi’s remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective August 1. The tariff, which targets India more severely than other major trading partners, threatens to derail recent negotiations between New Delhi and Washington.
Trump also hinted at additional penalties due to India’s involvement in the BRICS grouping and alleged dealings with Russia.
Describing the U.S. action as a major diplomatic failure for India, Gandhi said, “The government has destroyed our economic policy, has destroyed our defence policy, has destroyed our foreign policy.”
When asked about Trump’s latest remark referring to the Indian economy as a “dead economy,” Gandhi did not hold back. “Everybody knows this, except the prime minister and the finance minister. I’m glad that President Trump has stated a fact,” he said.
The Congress leader also challenged the Modi government’s version of events following the May military escalation with Pakistan. “Trump has said 30 to 32 times that he brokered the ceasefire (between India and Pakistan), right?” Gandhi asked. “Trump has also said five Indian fighter jets were downed,” he added, questioning the government’s transparency on the matter.
In response to Trump’s tariff threat, the Indian government stated it was studying the implications and remained committed to pursuing a fair trade deal with the United States.
The latest developments have sparked debate across India, with opposition parties demanding clarity and accountability from the Modi administration.
