“Do Not Disparage India”: Rijiju Cites Elon Musk to Respond to Rahul Gandhi on 2026 GDP Projection

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday reacted to a global statistics report that ranked India second in projected global GDP growth contribution for 2026. His remarks were later cited by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju to counter criticism from Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging him not to “disparage India” while attacking the government.

Rijiju referred to a post shared by Musk a day earlier, in which the tech billionaire wrote, “The balance of power is changing,” while reposting data from @stats_feed claiming that China and India together would account for 43.6% of global growth.

Rijiju’s comments came amid Gandhi’s continued criticism of the BJP-led government’s economic policies, including his reiteration of the “dead economy” remark and objections to the Union Budget 2026–27.

Quoting Musk on X, Rijiju said he was highlighting India’s achievements rather than responding to foreign voices.

“I normally do not react to statements which are not made by Indians. I’m quoting @elonmusk only to sensitise Rahul Gandhi ji that, while criticizing the government is a democratic right, do not disparage India and never belittle India’s achievements. Be a proud Indian,” he posted.

IMF Data and Growth Projections

The post shared by Musk cited IMF data projecting the top contributors to global GDP growth in 2026 and noted that the Asia-Pacific region would account for nearly 50% of total global expansion.

According to the data, China is expected to contribute 26.6% to global growth, followed by India at 17%, placing it ahead of the United States at 9.9%. Indonesia and Germany were projected at 3.8% and 0.9%, respectively.

Earlier this year, the IMF raised India’s growth forecast to 7.3% for fiscal 2025–26 and projected 6.4% growth for 2026–27.

Sitharaman Cites Musk’s Remarks

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also referred to Musk’s post while speaking at the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global economy.

“Elon Musk took IMF data and said, ‘Wow, is this true?’ China contributes 26% of global growth, India 17%. Together, 43% of global GDP growth comes from these two economies,” she said. “The opposition should understand the strength India has acquired.”

She added that while India still trails China, the gap can be bridged over time.

Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism

Rijiju’s remarks come against the backdrop of Gandhi’s sustained attacks on the government’s economic management.

Gandhi has previously supported former US President Donald Trump’s “dead economy” remark and has repeatedly accused the BJP of mismanaging growth and employment.

After the presentation of the Union Budget on Sunday, Gandhi again criticised the government on X, listing what he described as overlooked issues.

“Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks — all ignored,” he wrote.

Budget 2026–27

Finance Minister Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2026–27 on Sunday, her ninth consecutive Budget. The government described it as a roadmap for reforms and long-term growth.

In her speech, she reiterated the focus on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and announced several measures to boost the economy and provide consumer relief, though income tax slabs remained unchanged.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Budget would further strengthen India’s global position.

“The 140 crore citizens of India want not only to be the fastest-growing economy but also to become the third-largest economy at the earliest,” he said.