During an interview, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shared his positive assessment of the Indian economy, calling it “fascinating” and highlighting its strength. He commended the economic reforms spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the positive impact these reforms have had. Smotrich was prompted to respond to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that India’s economy was “dead.” In response, Smotrich voiced an opposing perspective, saying, “Indian economy is really exciting. The way Prime Minister Modi is promoting free market and competition, its results are clearly visible. With an annual growth rate of 6 percent, I think India’s economy will grow even faster. I am confident that India is on the right track.” Trump had previously criticized India’s economic practices, including its trade policies. Smotrich’s remarks coincided with the release of official data indicating India’s real GDP grew by 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, surpassing the 6.5 percent growth from the previous year’s corresponding quarter. India, currently the world’s fourth-largest economy, is on course to become the third-largest, aiming for a US $7.3 trillion GDP by 2030. This growth is attributed to effective leadership, well-defined policies, and strong global collaborations.
Smotrich: India’s Economy is ‘Fascinating’, Rebuffs Trump’s ‘Dead Economy’ Claim
By The Chhattisgarh1 Min Read