Congress MP Rajeev Shukla on Wednesday strongly rebuked a recent remark by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that the economies of India and Russia are “dead.” Shukla called the comment factually incorrect and emphasized the strength and continuity of India’s economic growth over the years.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, Shukla stated, “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 forward.”
Shukla emphasized that India's present economic standing is a consequence of institutional reforms of a span of decades initiated by successive administrations, political affiliation apart. He especially credited former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and subsequent Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for launching transformational liberalization reforms in the 1990s that opened up the economy of India to the global world.
The Congress leader also praised the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whom these reforms were further expanded in sectors like telecommunications, infrastructure, and privatization. “India’s economic progress is the result of consistent policy decisions and leadership across party lines,” Shukla noted.
President Trump's claim made in a public speech in the U.S. has been criticized by Indian political leaders and analysts, most of whom believe that his judgment is not in line with economic realities across the world. India is now one of the world's fastest-growing large economies, with strong GDP estimates and a growing middle class.
Shukla’s comments reflect a broader concern among Indian lawmakers about the perception of India’s economy on the global stage. “It’s important to recognize India’s resilience and economic achievements,” he added.
Over the past few years, India has emerged as a leading economic player in the world, recording unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment, hatching innovation through its startup culture, and sustaining robust growth amidst worldwide uncertainties. As India continues to align itself as a powerful force in the global economy, Shukla's piercing retort reminds us that political rhetoric should not ignore economic reality.
