Trump, in a fiery post on Truth Social, said: “I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care… India has among the highest tariffs in the world.” He also warned former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to "watch his words" and not enter "dangerous territory"
Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor (left), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (centre) and Rahul Gandhi (right)
A political storm erupted on Thursday after former US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports and made controversial remarks about the Indian economy and its ties with Russia. Reacting on his post, prominent Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rajeev Shukla, attacked the Centre’s handling of foreign and economic policies.
In a fiery post on Truth Social, the US President said: “I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care… India has among the highest tariffs in the world.”
He also warned former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to "watch his words" and not enter "dangerous territory."
Reacting to Trump’s "dead economy" remark, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said he agreed with the US President's statement.
“Everybody knows the Indian economy is dead, except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. I’m glad President Trump stated a fact,” Gandhi told reporters, accusing the BJP of destroying the economy to benefit industrialists such as Adani.
He also questioned PM Modi’s silence over Trump’s repeated claims — including mediating an India–Pakistan ceasefire, the fall of Indian jets, and now the steep tariff hike.
“Why is the Prime Minister not responding? Who is really in control?” Gandhi questioned.
VIDEO | On US President Donald Trump calling the Indian economy a 'dead economy', Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) says,
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 31, 2025
"Yes, he is right. I mean, everybody knows this except PM Modi and the Finance Minister. It is a dead economy. I am glad that the US… pic.twitter.com/8r0kLdFEsV
Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor warned that the tariffs and additional penalties on Russian oil imports could severely damage bilateral trade.
“This could destroy our trade with America. The talks are ongoing, but if the tariffs stay at 25 per cent or rise further to 35 per cent or even 100 per cent, it will be devastating,” he said, urging the US to consider India's economic realities and needs.
#WATCH | Delhi | On trade negotiations between the US and India, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It is a challenging negotiation. We are negotiating with many countries. The US is not the only negotiation. We have ongoing negotiations with the EU, we already concluded a deal… pic.twitter.com/tl85WKiMjW
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2025
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also took a swipe at PM Modi, stating: “The Prime Minister goes everywhere, makes friends, and then this is what we get. The country must respond to Trump’s tariff move and his claims about averting war with Pakistan."
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called it the "beginning of bad days" for the Indian economy.
“This government kept boasting of international friendships. But now, our youth need jobs and a strong economy, not foreign policy failures,” he said, according to ANI.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated during a White House press briefing that India remains one of the highest tariff-imposing nations.
“We’re talking to them now. But their tariff rates have been as high as 175 per cent, it’s unacceptable,” he said.
As India and the US continue trade negotiations, pressure mounts on the Modi government to respond to both the economic and diplomatic fallout from Trump’s aggressive statements.
Responding to former US President Donald Trump’s controversial comment labelling the Indian economy as “dead,” Congress MP Rajeev Shukla rejected the claim, calling it “completely incorrect.”
“The Indian economy is not dead. Major reforms began under PV Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh, were carried forward by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and further strengthened during Singh’s tenure. Even the current government has continued to work on economic development,” Shukla said.
“If someone believes India can be finished economically, they are clearly under a delusion. Imposing tariffs is not the answer. Every sovereign nation has the right to choose its trade partners. Targeting BRICS or Russia-related imports is unfair and misguided,” he added.
#WATCH | Delhi | Congress MP Rajeev Shukla says, "... Trump saying that the economies of India and Russia are dead, is wrong. The Indian economy is not dead. Economic reforms were made when PV Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh were there. Atal Bihari Vajpayee took those reforms… pic.twitter.com/UZ0lLvRzZY
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2025
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised Trump’s remarks via a post on X, writing:
“Not that it needs saying—there's ample legitimate data to show that India is among the top 5 global economies and one of the fastest-growing. Calling it a ‘dead economy’ reflects either arrogance or ignorance. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Not that one needs to say it there’s enough legitimate data available to know that Indian economy is in the top 5 of the world and one of the fastest growing economies. Calling it a dead economy can only come from a position of arrogance or ignorance. Thank you for your attention…
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) July 31, 2025
(With ANI inputs)
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