'Alive And Kicking': PMO Underlines India's Growth Story After Trump's 'Dead Economy' Jibe

Last Updated:August 02, 2025, 15:40 IST

The PMO shared News18's piece on India's 6.5% GDP growth in FY25.

PM Modi addressing rally in Varanasi (Credits: ANI)

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared News18’s opinion piece on Saturday, highlighting India’s growing economy amid a row sparked by US President Donald Trump’s “dead economy" remark.

What’s In The Opinion Piece?

The news piece highlighted that India’s economy has emerged as a beacon of resilience in a global landscape marked by uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating trade dynamics.

It said that the Indian economy is “alive and kicking" as the country achieved a commendable real GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the fiscal year 2024–25 (FY25), with nominal GDP growth at 9.8 per cent.

The current account deficit (CAD) is projected at a mere 0.9 per cent in FY26, while the fiscal deficit is estimated at 4.4 per cent, according to a CareEdge Ratings report.

It said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undergone a transformative economic journey with a focus on infrastructure development and digitalisation. The proliferation of digital infrastructure, including UPI and broadband connectivity, has formalised the economy, enhanced financial inclusion, and driven growth in the services sector. As of December 2024, India had an astounding total of 944.97 million broadband subscribers — 903.78 million wireless and 41.19 million wireline.

What Rahul Gandhi Said?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had endorsed the US President’s “dead economy" remark, saying that the Republican leader is right in saying that the Indian economy is “dead".

When asked to comment on Trump’s dead economy remark, Rahul Gandhi said that he agreed with the US President. “Yes, he is right. Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact… The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. BJP has finished the economy to help Adani…" Gandhi said.

Gandhi further alleged that the BJP government has destroyed India’s economic, defence and foreign policy. “PM Modi works only for one person- Adani. This (India-US trade) deal will take place, and PM Modi will do exactly what Trump says," he said.

Trump’s 25% Tariff Move

Earlier this week, the US President had announced to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from India starting August 1, plus an unspecified penalty for buying Russian crude oil and military equipment.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump cited India’s high tariffs, stringent non-monetary trade barriers, and continued military and energy ties with Russia as the basis for the move.

He had also criticised India’s trade policies and its ties with Russia. In his post, Trump dismissed concerns over India’s relationship with Moscow, stating, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care."

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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August 02, 2025, 15:38 IST

News india 'Alive And Kicking': PMO Underlines India's Growth Story After Trump's 'Dead Economy' Jibe

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