Modi hits back at Trump's 'dead economy' jab Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday delivered a spirited response to President Donald Trump's characterization of India as a "dead economy," asserting that the country is on track to become the world's third-largest economy and calling for unity behind domestic products. Speaking at a rally in Varanasi, Modi indirectly addressed Trump's comments without naming the US president, emphasizing India's economic trajectory amid global tensions. "There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is going to become the third biggest economy in the world and that is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned", Modi stated. The Prime Minister's remarks came in response to Trump's July 31 post on Truth Social, where the US president wrote, "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care". Trump's comments followed the announcement of 25% tariffs on nearly all imports from India, marking an escalation in trade tensions between the two nations. Modi used the occasion to reinforce his "vocal for local" initiative, urging Indians to support domestically produced goods. "We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to become vocal for local", he declared, calling for political parties to set aside differences and unite behind the "swadeshi" movement. According to the Times of India, Modi made an earnest appeal to the business community, stating, "When the world is going through such an atmosphere of instability, we too should sell only indigenous goods. This resolve will also be a true service to the nation". He described this commitment as "a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi." India's status as the world's fifth-largest economy and its rapid growth trajectory lend credibility to Modi's assertions. The Prime Minister previously promised during his campaign that India would achieve third-largest economy status during his current term. Recent economic data supports this optimism, with the International Monetary Fund projecting India's GDP for 2025 at $4.19 trillion, which would surpass Japan's estimated $4.186 trillion. The exchange highlights the growing strain in US-India relations, particularly over India's continued economic ties with Russia. As Union Minister Piyush Goyal noted in response to Trump's criticism, India remains "the world's fastest-growing major economy" despite the diplomatic tensions. Modi's response represents a careful balance of defending India's economic record while avoiding direct confrontation with the Trump administration, instead channeling the moment into a rallying cry for domestic economic self-reliance.
