New Delhi | April 8, 2025- At the Rising Bharat Summit 2025, world-renowned economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey D. Sachs delivered a sharp critique of American governance, warning that the United States is drifting toward one-man rule under the guise of emergency powers—and advising India to tread carefully in its relationship with Washington.
Praises Indian Judiciary, Slams Presidential Overreach in the US
“If we had the Indian Supreme Court, I would not have worried frankly,” Sachs said. “The Indian Supreme Court is pretty activist—it would strike this down as an enormous presidential overreach.
”He compared this to the uncertain role of the US Supreme Court, suggesting that it may not be capable—or willing—to curb executive power. Sachs expressed deep concern over the unchecked powers that former US President Donald Trump had claimed under national emergency declarations.
‘Praises Indian Judiciary, Slams Presidential Overreach in the US
The President of the US declared an emergency… and then governed without law, just by decree,” Sachs noted. “What he calls an emergency is anything he wants—like the trade deficit, which has existed for 20 years.
”Sachs warned that such behavior is destabilizing US democracy, adding, “We don’t know whether the courts will act or whether Congress will wake up. According to Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution, only Congress can impose duties—not the President.
”His blunt remark: “We don’t know if the US is a democracy anymore—or a one-person rule. Maybe we’ll have a coup now. Who knows?
”Cautions India on Ties with the US
Shifting focus to India–US relations, Sachs advised New Delhi to remain vigilant. “American friendships have destroyed countries. India should be careful. India is too big for any alliance,” he said.
Sachs warned that the US is trying to use India as a strategic pawn against China. “US foreign policy is divide and rule. They want India to bash China, to join the QUAD. Don’t play that game,” he cautioned.
He emphasized that India and China, together representing 40% of the world’s population, should focus on settling their differences and collaborating for global stability. “They could actually help run a very decent world together,” Sachs said.
India’s Rise is Real—And the US Might Resent It
Despite his criticisms of US governance, Sachs praised India’s progress, saying, “India is doing wonderfully. I’ve been coming here for 46 years. It’s a vivid story of growth and achievement.
”He predicted a major shift in global power, stating: “India will overtake the US to become the second-largest economy in the world within the next 10 to 15 years.
”As for America’s response to this shift? “The US is in a neurotic reaction. They expected to always be number one. First, they resented China for overtaking them—and they will resent India next,” Sachs warned.
Key Takeaways from Jeffrey Sachs’ Remarks:
US governance is becoming dangerously centralized under presidential powers.
Indian judiciary is more proactive in curbing executive overreach.
India must avoid getting used as a pawn in US-China geopolitics.
Sachs advises India to remain independent and focus on cooperation with China.
India is on track to overtake the US economy within 10–15 years.
US may resent India’s rise, just as it did China’s.
Sachs’ speech was not just a critique of the US but a strategic wake-up call for India. As global power dynamics shift, his message was clear: India must chart its own path—without becoming a tool in another nation’s game.
