India Fires Back at Trump Over ‘Dead Economy’ Comment

India isn’t staying silent after former U.S. President Donald Trump took a jab at its economic ties with Russia. Hours after Trump made a snide remark claiming India and Russia could take their “dead economies down together,” the Indian government responded with facts—and fire.

Speaking on the floor of the Lok Sabha, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made it clear: India isn’t the struggling nation Trump painted it to be. In fact, he reminded the world that the country has moved from being one of the ‘Fragile Five’ to now standing strong among the top five global economies—and still climbing.

“In less than ten years, we went from 11th place to the top five,” Goyal said, adding that global experts now recognize India as a bright spot in the world economy. He credited the country’s rise to consistent reforms and the hard work of local businesses—from farmers and small-scale industries to major corporations.

The bigger picture? India is projected to become the third-largest economy in the world in just a few years.

Trump’s comment, made during an address earlier that day, took aim at India’s economic relationship with Russia. “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together,” he said. Trump didn’t stop there—he also criticized India’s trade policies, slamming what he described as high tariffs that make it hard for the U.S. to do business with New Delhi.

India, however, didn’t let the criticism slide. Officials said they are reviewing the implications of Trump’s move to impose a 25% tariff and are focused on defending the country’s national interests.

In a short but sharp statement, India reaffirmed its stand: it remains committed to fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade with the U.S.—but will not compromise when it comes to protecting its economy and sovereignty.