Rahul Gandhi in USA: Calls for a Manufacturing Revival in India to Combat Unemployment

Washington: During visit to the University of Texas in Dallas, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, highlighted the pressing issue of unemployment facing India and the West, contrasting it with China’s stronghold on global production. Gandhi emphasized that India possesses ample skilled labor and could effectively compete with China by refocusing its efforts on manufacturing.

Addressing a gathering of students, he criticized the West for shifting away from production, stating, “The act of production creates jobs,” and lamented that countries like the United States, once a manufacturing powerhouse, have ceded that role to China and Vietnam. He expressed concern that the lack of manufacturing in India is unsustainable and could lead to significant social challenges.

Gandhi stressed the importance of vocational training to bridge the gap between education and business needs, pointing out that India’s educational system is ideologically influenced and does not adequately respect skilled labor. He asserted, “India can take on China if we respect skills and align ourselves for production,” citing examples of successful manufacturing in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

His four-day unofficial trip includes interactions with the Indian diaspora and meetings with US lawmakers, highlighting the need for renewed focus on manufacturing to address unemployment in India and beyond.