Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about the state of India’s economy, describing it as “dead.” His statement adds political fuel to a developing economic and diplomatic dispute involving India, the United States, and Russia.
Trump, while announcing a 25% tariff plus penalties on Indian imports beginning August 1, criticized India for maintaining energy ties with Russia and adopting trade policies deemed unfair by Washington. In his statement, Trump declared both the Indian and Russian economies “dead” and accused them of undermining global trade norms by refusing to align with U.S. strategic interests.
This declaration has created a challenging situation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had previously shown open support for Trump’s reelection. Reports of Indian groups holding prayer ceremonies and even building a temple dedicated to Trump had highlighted the warmth of some segments toward the U.S. president. Despite this, Trump did not spare India from criticism, citing its continued dealings with Russia and its tariff structure as unacceptable.
In response to Trump’s statements, the Indian government has reportedly begun consultations with key stakeholders, primarily business groups, to assess the impact and develop a response. Many domestic industries, which had placed hope in Modi’s ability to maintain balanced ties with both the West and Russia, are now expressing concern.
Speaking to reporters outside the Indian Parliament, Rahul Gandhi echoed Trump’s economic assessment, saying, “He [Trump] is right. Everybody knows the Indian economy is dead, except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. I’m glad President Trump has stated a fact.” Gandhi further accused the ruling BJP of destroying the economy to benefit specific business interests, naming industrialist Gautam Adani, a close ally of Modi, who is currently facing corruption investigations in the U.S.
Notably, Gandhi refrained from commenting on India’s partnership with Russia. His remarks about Adani, however, were pointed and reflect growing political rhetoric in India against the perceived crony capitalism associated with the BJP-led government.
In Moscow, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump’s accusations as nervous reactions, implying that they signaled Russia’s strategic path was working. Medvedev, currently serving as Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, remained unfazed by Trump’s warnings. “If a few words from a former Russian president can provoke such a nervous reaction from the President of the United States, then Russia is clearly on the right track,” Medvedev wrote on social media.
Trump had previously labeled Medvedev a “failed” leader and cautioned him against making further statements, calling his stance “dangerous.” Medvedev, however, shrugged off the warnings and mocked Trump’s suggestion that both India and Russia were heading toward economic collapse.
The back-and-forth comes against a backdrop of broader geopolitical shifts, particularly the formation and strengthening of alternative global alliances such as BRICS. Trump has criticized BRICS members for promoting a multipolar world order, and has even proposed economic penalties against nations doing business with the bloc.
India’s refusal to comply with U.S. trade and foreign policy demands has likely fueled Trump’s recent outbursts. The tariff announcement is expected to impact several sectors and increase economic strain. The Indian government has issued a statement saying it “will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest.”
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi used the moment to intensify his criticism of the current administration. He accused the Modi-led government of ruining not only the economy, but also India’s defense and foreign policies. “They are running this country into the ground,” he said.
The remarks by Trump, Gandhi, and Medvedev highlight the increasing intersection of domestic politics and international diplomacy, as global alliances shift and economic tensions rise.
