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Key Points

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich strongly praised India's economic progress in an exclusive ANI interview. He specifically commended Prime Minister Modi's reforms and called the Indian economy "fascinating" with undeniable results. These remarks directly countered former US President Trump's recent description of India as a "dead economy." The praise comes as India's GDP shows strong 7.8% growth in the latest quarter, positioning the country to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030.

Key Points: Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Praises Modi Reforms as India Grows

  • Israeli FM directly counters Trump's "dead economy" remarks about India
  • Praises Modi's free market reforms and economic policies
  • Predicts India's 6% growth rate will accelerate further
  • Notes India's projected rise to world's third-largest economy by 2030
2 min read

With 6% rate, India's growth will accelerate...: Israeli Finance Minister debunks claims of dead economy

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls India's economy "fascinating" and praises PM Modi's reforms, directly countering Trump's "dead economy" remarks.

"The Indian economy is fascinating... you can't argue with the results - Bezalel Smotrich"

New Delhi, September 9

Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, on Monday, hailed India's economic prowess and called the Indian economy "fascinating". Praising the reforms brought under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the results speak for themselves when it comes to India's economic picture.

He made the remarks in an exclusive interview to ANI when asked about how he views the Indian economy, in the backdrop of remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who had called India a dead economy.

To this, Finance Minister Smotrich said, "The Indian economy is fascinating. The reforms that Prime Minister Modi is facilitating for free markets, competition...- you can't argue with the results. With a 6 per cent growth rate per year, I think India's growth will accelerate. I am sure you're on the right path..."

The US President, on July 31, had written on Truth Social, "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together..."

The positive remarks by Israel's Finance Minister came on August 29, with the official data showing that India's real GDP is estimated to grow by 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of the financial year 2025-26 over the growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the same quarter of the previous fiscal.

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the April-June Quarter of the financial year 2025-26.

Currently the world's fourth-largest economy, India is on track to become the third-largest by 2030 with a projected USD 7.3 trillion GDP. This momentum is powered by decisive governance, visionary reforms, and active global engagement, officials said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
International validation feels good, but we should focus on making this growth inclusive. Many small businesses and farmers are still struggling. Growth numbers need to translate to better lives for all Indians.
A
Arjun K
️ 7.8% growth in Q1 is impressive! The reforms are definitely showing results. Hope we can sustain this momentum and become the 3rd largest economy soon. Make in India is working! 💪
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the manufacturing sector, I've seen the positive changes firsthand. Easier regulations and better infrastructure have helped our exports grow significantly. The numbers don't lie!
V
Vikram M
Trump's comments were typical of his style - sensational without facts. Meanwhile, serious economists and finance ministers recognize India's potential. Our growth trajectory speaks for itself!
N
Nikhil C
While the growth numbers look good, I hope the government addresses the unemployment issue among educated youth. Growth should create quality jobs, not just impressive statistics.

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