Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded favorably to India’s economic advancements, describing the nation’s economy as “fascinating” and highlighting its strength. He commended the economic reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that their positive impact is clear. When questioned about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s description of India’s economy as “dead,” Smotrich provided a contrasting viewpoint. He stated, “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 made critical remarks about India’s economy, particularly in relation to trade. Smotrich’s comments were made public on August 29, the same day that official statistics revealed India’s real GDP increased by 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, surpassing the 6.5 percent increase from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. India, currently the fourth-largest economy worldwide, is expected to become the third-largest, with a GDP of US $7.3 trillion by 2030. Officials attribute this growth to decisive leadership, strategic policies, and international cooperation.
