Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for endorsing Donald Trump's assessment of the Indian economy as "dead". Rijiju characterized Gandhi's statements as "anti-India language" and accused him of "playing a dangerous game" that could harm the nation.

Gandhi's comments came after Trump criticized India and Russia, labeling them as "dead economies" and expressing a lack of interest in trade relations. Trump's statement coincided with the US imposing a 25% tariff on Indian exports, which is set to affect sectors like gems, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics.

Rijiju asserted that Gandhi's views were not only harmful but also contradicted by many within the Congress party itself. He emphasized that describing India as a "dead economy" is unacceptable. "Rahul Gandhi speaks against the nation," Rijiju stated. "Many are saying he is playing a dangerous game to harm the country. His anti-India language is being opposed by many prominent people in the Opposition, too. They also say you cannot describe India as a dead economy," he added.

Several leaders have countered Gandhi's statement, emphasizing that India is among the world's fastest-growing economies. They acknowledge existing economic challenges such as wealth inequalities and unemployment but argue that these issues do not equate to a "dead economy".

This is not the first time Rijiju has criticized Gandhi. In the past, he has called Gandhi "hopeless and disconnected with ground realities," particularly regarding young leaders leaving the Congress party. He has also objected to Gandhi's remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump.

Gandhi's endorsement of Trump's statement has sparked controversy, especially given the potential impact of the new tariffs on Indian exports. The situation highlights the ongoing debate about India's economic health and the differing perspectives on the challenges and opportunities it faces. Some experts anticipate increased competition across Indian sectors due to government initiatives and reduced business costs. Others point to the impact of consumer down-trading on brand loyalty, driven by shrinking disposable incomes. Despite these challenges, many believe that India's economic potential remains strong.