“India’s Dead Economy”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently called India’s dead economy a symbol of unfair trade, but data and global reports strongly contradict his claim. Experts and Indian officials have rebutted the remark with evidence of India’s strong growth and resilience
Image: Politico
Trump’s Claim: India’s Economy Is ‘Dead’
Speaking at a political rally, Donald Trump described India’s economy as “dead,” using the phrase to highlight what he claimed were weak international trade partners. His statement, however, lacked data and came without context or explanation, leading to criticism from Indian officials and global economists.
India’s Economy: A Reality Check
To evaluate Trump’s claim, one must look at hard numbers:
GDP Growth: India is currently one of the fastest-growing major economies. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s GDP is projected to grow by 6.8% in 2025, outpacing many developed nations.
Forex Reserves: India holds over $650 billion in foreign exchange reserves, ranking among the highest in the world.
Stock Market: India’s equity markets have hit record highs, and the BSE Sensex recently crossed 80,000 points, signaling strong investor confidence.
Startup Ecosystem: India is the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with more than 100 unicorns.
Manufacturing and Services: Both sectors are growing. India’s services exports crossed $325 billion in FY24, showcasing competitiveness.
These facts stand in direct contradiction to Trump’s comment and reflect a dynamic and thriving economy, not a “dead” one.
Global Agencies Validate India’s Progress
Multiple global organizations have recognized India’s economic momentum:
The World Bank praised India’s economic reforms, digital infrastructure, and fiscal discipline.
The Moody’s and S&P credit rating agencies maintain India’s outlook as stable with growth expectations among the top globally.
The OECD forecasts continued expansion, crediting strong domestic demand and structural reforms.
India’s Trade & Investment Standing
India has attracted record-breaking foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years. Major global firms, including Apple, Tesla, and Google, have expanded operations or supply chains into India.
Moreover, despite past trade tensions during Trump’s presidency, India-U.S. bilateral trade has now surpassed $190 billion, proving that the relationship is far from “dead.”
Rebuttal from Indian Leadership and Economists
Indian government officials quickly refuted Trump’s statement. A senior finance ministry source called the remark “uninformed and politically motivated.”
Economists like Dr. Pronab Sen, former Chief Statistician of India, pointed out that “India’s economy is anything but dead. In fact, it is more resilient than most Western economies in today’s global environment.”
Read More..- Why Sensex, Nifty Are Down But Not Crashing After Trump’s 25% Tariffs
Conclusion: A Claim That Doesn’t Hold Up
Trump’s use of the phrase India’s dead economy is clearly factually incorrect and politically charged. While every economy faces challenges—such as inflation, unemployment, and rural stress—India’s macroeconomic indicators and global standing show robust health and steady progress.
His remark ignores not only India’s current performance but also its long-term growth trajectory, which is projected to make it the third-largest economy by 2030.
