In a strongly worded public statement, Shri H.D. Deve Gowda, Former Prime Minister of India and a sitting Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for making what he termed as “baseless and ill-tempered remarks” on India and its economy.
“Even a small trader and a poor farmer in India, who conducts his business with great dignity, integrity and humanity, can teach many lessons to Mr. Trump,” Gowda remarked, emphasising the core Indian values of resilience and self-respect.
The veteran political leader expressed surprise and disapproval over Trump’s statements, saying, “I don’t think modern history has seen another head of state who has been so volatile, uncivil and irresponsible.”
He added that Trump’s conduct is not just disrespectful towards India but towards nations globally, including the U.S.’s own longstanding allies. “There is something fundamentally wrong with him that reason, diplomacy or statecraft cannot diagnose and address,” Gowda said, noting that responding further in kind would only lower the standards of Indian leadership.
Gowda praised India’s democratic framework and ability to overcome adversity. He lauded the Modi government’s resistance to Trump’s “bullying,” especially in safeguarding Indian agriculture and the small and medium enterprise sectors, which are vital to the livelihood of a large portion of the population.
“India is a sovereign nation that is diverse and democratic… I am very happy and proud that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has not compromised our national interest,” Gowda stated.
He further criticised Trump’s labelling of the Indian economy as “dead,” countering it by highlighting India’s position as the fastest-growing economy and the fifth largest in the world. “Mr. Trump must either be blind or ill-informed,” he said.
In a pointed remark towards Indian opposition leaders, Gowda warned against echoing Trump’s criticisms.
“A word of caution to some Opposition leaders who have rejoiced in the statements of Mr. Trump and have jumped to be his deluded spokespersons in India… They should not harm themselves, and their parties, and end up very soon in the dustbin of history alongside Mr. Trump.”
