03 July,2026 11:34 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump has cited India's economic growth as an example while arguing that the United States should aim for much stronger expansion instead of being limited by concerns over inflation and interest rates.
During an interview with CNBC, Trump described India as one of the fastest-growing major economies and said the US had the potential to achieve significantly higher growth levels.
"You have a couple of countries, India is one, doing very well, but it's at 7, 8 per cent," Trump said.
"We're not allowed to go up. If we go up, they want to kill it."
Trump made the remarks while discussing the state of the American economy and monetary policy decisions by the US Federal Reserve.
The US President said the country should not restrict its growth ambitions and argued that the economy could expand at a much faster pace.
"There's no reason we should stop at 4 per cent. We should be at 12 and 13 per cent GDP."
His comments came after stronger-than-expected US employment data triggered discussions over inflation risks and the possibility of higher interest rates.
Trump criticised the way financial markets react to positive economic indicators, saying investors often expect tighter monetary policy when strong data is released.
"I wish I could flip it the old way, that when you announce great numbers," Trump said, referring to periods when strong economic figures were usually followed by gains in financial markets.
Trump said economic expansion should not always be considered a factor that increases inflationary pressure.
"Growth can be good for inflation, not just bad for inflation."
He also renewed his criticism of Federal Reserve policymakers, claiming that keeping interest rates high could slow economic momentum.
"I really think that I would love to be able to get back... when you announced great numbers, the stock market went up."
He added that policymakers should support economic growth rather than restrict it.
Speaking about the US economy, Trump described the country as being in a "Golden Age" and highlighted growth in manufacturing and employment.
"We have more factories being built today than ever before."
"We have more people working today than at any time ever in the history of our country."
Trump also claimed that wages for ordinary American workers had improved.
"I'm not talking about rich people, I'm talking about people that have like normal or normalised jobs, more money than they've ever made before."
Referring to market performance, he said, "The stock market's at an all-time high."
India has remained among the fastest-growing major economies in recent years, driven by domestic demand, infrastructure development and investment activity.
The country has also gained attention from global companies looking to diversify manufacturing and supply chains.
Economic cooperation between India and the United States has strengthened over the past decade, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, semiconductors, clean energy and defence. Both countries continue to work on expanding investment opportunities and building stronger supply chain partnerships.
(With inputs from IANS)
