In response to US President Donald Trump's recent remark describing India as a "dead economy," former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant firmly rejected the claim, asserting that India is in fact a vibrant, fast-growing, and reform-oriented economic force. Kant emphasized that India currently stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is well on its way to becoming the third-largest shortly, underlining the country’s strong economic momentum and resilience.
Kant attributed India’s remarkable economic progress to a series of bold structural reforms, technological advancements, and significant infrastructure development. He cited landmark policy changes such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) as key factors that have enhanced economic efficiency and transparency. According to him, these reforms have not only streamlined business processes but also fostered a more robust and dynamic economic environment.
Highlighting the country’s digital transformation, Kant remarked that India has achieved unparalleled success in digitisation. He pointed out that India has created a digital identity system for 1.5 billion people and has become a global leader in fast, real-time digital payments. These innovations, he argued, have empowered citizens, expanded financial inclusion, and accelerated economic activity.
On the infrastructure front, Kant noted that India has made unprecedented progress in recent years, with milestones such as universal electrification, large-scale housing initiatives, and the construction of over 88,000 kilometers of roads. He stated that no other country has built infrastructure on such a scale and pace in recent times, reinforcing India’s status as a development leader.
Furthermore, Kant stressed India’s resilience during times of global and domestic crisis, stating that the country consistently rises to the occasion by leveraging challenges as opportunities. He advocated for continued efforts to dismantle outdated rules and regulations that hinder growth, positioning India for an even more competitive and agile future.
His remarks serve as a robust rebuttal to Trump’s criticism and reflect a confident vision of India as a reform-driven, forward-looking economy that is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage.
