Karti Chidambaram Addresses Trump's 'Dead Economy' Remark

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram criticized US President Donald Trump's recent remarks referring to India as a "dead economy." Chidambaram labeled this comment as another "flippant" remark from a leader noted for his dramatic and erratic commentary, while emphasizing that the Indo-US relationship extends beyond the terms of individual leaders.

Speaking about the bilateral ties, Chidambaram stated, "We are both large economies and we need each other. He has a limited shelf life. He is not going to stay President after January 20, 2029, but the relationship between these two countries will endure for centuries to come." He added that Trump's comments should not be taken seriously, indicating that Trump often makes lighthearted statements about various topics.

The lawmaker's comments came after Trump criticized India over high tariffs following a 25 percent tariff announcement and threatened additional penalties on India for importing Russian oil. Moreover, Chidambaram described Trump as a "showman" whose spectacle-driven style nevertheless results in negotiations, calling for calm diplomacy to achieve meaningful outcomes.

In a separate context, Chidambaram addressed the political turmoil within Tamil Nadu's AIADMK party and its implications for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He noted that expelled leader O Panneerselvam represented a minor faction within the AIADMK and attributed his fallout to internal power struggles. Chidambaram commented on the BJP's perceived lack of support for its allies, highlighting Panneerselvam's departure from the NDA in light of upcoming elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)