Elon Musk’s ‘balance of power is changing’ post draws reactions from Indian ministers

Elon Musk recently reshared a post from World of Statistic showing the projected “Top 10 contributors to global real GDP growth in 2026,” based on data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The chart placed India as the second-largest contributor with about 17 per cent of global real GDP growth, behind China at about 26 per cent and ahead of the United States at 9.9 per cent. Accompanying the chart, Musk wrote: “The balance of power is changing.”

The balance of power is changing https://t.co/mzk1KRHkcg

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman referred to Musk’s repost during a youth dialogue on the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament. She highlighted the IMF data and Musk’s reaction as part of her remarks on India’s economic role, saying:

“Elon Musk takes the IMF data to say ‘wow, is this true’. I don’t remember if he exactly said ‘wow’ … China contributes 26 per cent of growth in global GDP. India contributes 17 per cent.”

#WATCH | Delhi: At the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "...Elon Musk takes the IMF data to say "wow, is this true". I don't remember if he exactly said 'wow'... China contributes 26% of growth in global GDP. India contributes 17%.… pic.twitter.com/qY53GvKeHC

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026

Sitharaman added that together China and India contribute around 43 per cent of global GDP growth, underscoring what she described as a shift in the global economic landscape. She also said the Opposition in India should recognise the country’s expanding global role.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also quoted Musk’s repost in remarks directed at Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. On X, Rijiju wrote that although he does not normally comment on statements not made by Indians, he was citing Musk to urge Gandhi not to “disparage India” while critiquing the government’s economic policies.

Hon'ble PM has given top priority to North-East and Eastern India. I'm happy that my colleague Union Minister and MP from Assam Shri @sarbanandsonwal Ji will move the motion of thanks to Hon'ble President for addressing joint session of Parliament & initiate discussion today. https://t.co/i6gqtvYSNN

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 2, 2026

The references from Sithara­man and Rijiju came against the backdrop of wider discussion in India on the Union Budget 2026–27 and economic performance. Official government presentations of the budget have reiterated long-term goals of strengthening India’s economic position and achieving higher growth through policy continuity and investment in infrastructure and industry.