After U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed India as a “dead economy,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at the ET World Leaders Forum 2025, showcasing India’s resilience. Modi declared India the world’s fastest-growing major economy, set to become the third-largest economy soon, with nearly 20% contribution to global growth. He credited macroeconomic stability built over the last decade—highlighting a projected fiscal deficit of 4.4%, robust forex reserves, strong banks, low inflation, and surging domestic investments. Modi underlined that despite Covid and global headwinds, India’s growth momentum remains unstoppable, with record capital inflows driving the nation forward.