Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia has drawn criticism, with media outlets like The Wire questioning the accuracy of his claims about India's economic progress since 2014.
During his address to Indian citizens in Russia, Modi asserted that India was deep in difficulties before 2014. However, economic data presents a different picture:
- Unemployment has increased to 12% in 2022-23 compared to 2011-12 levels.
- Foreign investment in India has dropped from 2% to 0.5%.
- Private sector investment has decreased to 3%, despite accounting for 60% of GDP.
Economist Santosh Mehrotra suggests that unemployment figures might be higher, as the government doesn't count unemployed youth from business families.
The article also mentions the case of Hemil Ashwinbhai Mangukiya, an Indian citizen who died while serving in the Russian army in February 2024. His father, Ashwinbhai Mangukiya, accepted Russian citizenship, stating, "What's left in India? I'm ready to sacrifice Indian citizenship to move to Russia."
The report contrasts Modi's claims with the reality that 82 crore Indians depend on free government rations, questioning the effectiveness of the government's economic policies.
