‘Do not disparage India’: Rijiju targets Rahul Gandhi as Musk reacts to global GDP projection for 2026

By Admin

03 Feb, 2026

Introduction
A fresh political exchange has unfolded after global GDP growth projections for 2026 placed India among the world’s top contributors. The debate gained momentum when tech billionaire Elon Musk reacted to the data, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju cited his remarks to counter criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him not to “disparage India” while attacking the government.

Elon Musk’s Reaction to Global GDP Projections
On Sunday, Elon Musk responded to a global statistics report based on IMF data that forecast India as the second-largest contributor to global GDP growth in 2026. Sharing a post by @stats_feed, Musk wrote, “The balance of power is changing,” highlighting that China and India together are projected to contribute 43.6% of global growth.
The post also noted that the Asia-Pacific region would account for nearly 50% of total global economic growth, underlining a major shift in global economic dynamics.

Rijiju’s Message to Rahul Gandhi
Referring to Musk’s remarks, Kiren Rijiju used the opportunity to respond to Rahul Gandhi’s continued criticism of the BJP-led government’s economic management. On X, Rijiju clarified that he was quoting Musk only to underline India’s national achievements.
“I’m quoting @elonmusk only to sensitise Rahul Gandhi ji that, while criticising the govt is a democratic right, do not disparage India & never belittle India’s achievement. Be a proud Indian,” Rijiju posted, stressing the distinction between political criticism and undermining national progress.

IMF Data and India’s Global Standing
According to the IMF-based projections shared by Musk, India’s contribution to global GDP growth in 2026 is forecast at 17%, placing it above the United States at 9.9%. China leads with 26.6%, while countries such as Indonesia (3.8%) and Germany (0.9%) trail behind.
Earlier this year, the IMF revised India’s growth outlook upward, projecting 7.3% growth for fiscal 2025–26 and 6.4% for fiscal 2026–27, reinforcing optimism about India’s economic trajectory.

FM Sitharaman Echoes the Point
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cited Musk’s reaction while addressing the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026. Referring to IMF data highlighted by Musk, she said India’s growing share in global GDP reflects the economic strength built in recent years.
She noted that while China still contributes a larger share, the gap can be bridged, and added that the opposition should recognise the scale of India’s current economic position.

Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of the Economy
Rijiju’s remarks come amid Rahul Gandhi’s repeated attacks on the government’s economic policies. Gandhi has reiterated his “dead economy” comment and raised objections to the Union Budget 2026–27, listing issues such as unemployment, declining manufacturing, falling household savings, farmer distress, and global economic risks.
Following the Budget presentation, Gandhi again took to X, accusing the government of ignoring what he called India’s “real crises.”

Union Budget 2026–27 and the Government’s Vision
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, describing it as a reform-oriented roadmap for the second quarter of the 21st century. The Budget reaffirmed the government’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and included measures to boost growth and provide consumer relief, though income tax slabs remained unchanged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Budget would further strengthen India’s global position, reiterating the national resolve to move from being the fastest-growing economy to becoming the world’s third-largest at the earliest.

Conclusion
The exchange sparked by Elon Musk’s reaction has evolved into a broader political debate on how India’s economic progress should be discussed domestically. While opposition leaders continue to scrutinise government policies, the ruling establishment has emphasised that criticism should not undermine India’s growing stature in the global economy, especially at a time when international data places the country among the world’s leading growth engines.