Trump Labels India and Russia ‘Dead Economies’; Russia’s Medvedev Cautions Over Nuclear ‘Dead Hand’

Medvedev Warns Trump with ‘Dead Hand’ Jibe After ‘Dead Economies’ Taunt.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a pointed warning to U.S. President Donald Trump after the latter described Russia and India as having “dead economies” and threatened additional trade penalties against New Delhi.

In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at India for its close defense and energy ties with Russia, writing:
“India and Russia can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.” He also criticized India for being Russia’s largest energy buyer and for continuing military purchases from Moscow, despite international pressure over the war in Ukraine.

The remarks came just a day after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, along with an unspecified penalty for buying Russian oil and weapons.

Responding on Telegram, Medvedev—currently Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council—dismissed Trump’s comments and invoked “Dead Hand,” the Cold War-era Russian nuclear retaliation system. “As for the talk about ‘dead economies’ and ‘dangerous territory’—maybe he should recall his favorite zombie movies and also remember how dangerous the so-called ‘Dead Hand,’ which doesn’t even exist, could be,” he wrote, in a thinly veiled threat.

Trump had also taken a personal swipe at Medvedev, calling him a “failed former president” and warning him to “watch his words,” saying he was “entering very dangerous territory.”

Medvedev hit back:
“If a few words from the former president of Russia can provoke such a jittery reaction from the mighty U.S. president, then Russia must be completely in the right. We’ll keep moving forward on our own path.” This marks the second social media exchange between the two leaders this summer and highlights the growing tensions over India’s balancing act between Washington and Moscow.