Rahul Gandhi Mentions Martial Arts in Lok Sabha Speech, Sparks Political Stir During Budget Debate

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday drew attention during the Union Budget discussion by beginning his speech with a reference to martial arts, triggering political reactions and debate inside Parliament.

Gandhi stated that the world is witnessing a major shift where traditional systems are being openly challenged. He warned that humanity is entering a “dangerous era,” as global conditions are rapidly evolving and the international world order is undergoing significant transformation.

Praises Economic Survey, Highlights Global Instability

Referring to the Economic Survey, Gandhi said he found two “solid and meaningful” observations that stood out. First, he noted that the world is facing rising geopolitical tensions, with the dominance of the United States being increasingly challenged by powers such as China, Russia, and others.

Second, he pointed out that the global landscape is entering an era of energy and financial warfare, where economic tools are being used as strategic weapons.

“The world is moving from stability to instability,” Gandhi said, stressing that global volatility is now becoming the new reality.

Rejects Claims That the Era of War Is Over

Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at recent statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Security Advisor, who had earlier suggested that the era of war had ended.

Contradicting that view, Gandhi asserted that the world is instead heading deeper into conflict.

He cited multiple flashpoints, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions and conflict in the Middle East, the war in Gaza, the possibility of escalation involving Iran, and other recent security operations.

“We are not moving away from war; we are moving into the age of war,” he said.

Dollar Dominance Under Threat

Gandhi further claimed that the global balance of power is shifting as the dominance of the US dollar is increasingly being questioned. He described the challenge to American supremacy as a key geopolitical struggle shaping the future world order.

‘Data is the New Fuel’: Gandhi Warns of Strategic Competition

Raising concerns about India’s economic and strategic priorities, Gandhi said that in a dangerous and uncertain world, India’s greatest strength lies in its 1.4 billion people, describing them as brilliant, energetic, and capable of challenging any global power.

Referring to the growing role of technology, Gandhi highlighted the threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to employment and traditional industries.

“Talking about AI without talking about data is like talking about an internal combustion engine without petrol,” he remarked, calling data the fuel of AI.

Claims US Wants India’s Data

Gandhi claimed that the United States is primarily interested in accessing India’s vast data resources, which he described as extremely valuable in the emerging global competition.

“Right now, data is the most important asset. America wants data, and India’s data is crucial,” he said.

World Moving Towards an Uncertain New Order

Concluding his remarks, Gandhi stated that the world is moving away from the era of a single superpower into a new and unpredictable global order.

“We are shifting from the world of a superpower into something entirely new, and we cannot fully estimate what it will look like,” he said.