Mohandas Pai slams 'economic refugee' Sabeer Bhatia, questions Hotmail co-founder's GDP remarks

Former Infosys chief financial officer Mohandas Pai slammed Bhatia, calling him an 'economic refugee' and a 'hate monger'

Sabeer Bhatia, India American businessman and co-founder of Hotmail.com, has come under severe attack for questioning India’s gross domestic product overtaking Japan’s to become the fourth largest economy in the world.

Former Infosys chief financial officer Mohandas Pai slammed Bhatia, calling him an “economic refugee” and a “hate monger”.

“Man @sabeer, you are an economic refugee, left India long ago. Good riddance to bad rubbish. You had no role in India’s progress. So, stop pontificating and shut up. We will grow India and build our future. We do not need you. You are toxic and a hate monger,” Pai said in a post on X.

Man @sabeer you are an economic refugee, left India long ago. Good riddance to bad rubbish. You had no role in Indias progress. So stop pontificating and shut up. We will grow India and build our future. We do not need you. You are toxic and a hate monger. https://t.co/ETpI4ViUuy
Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) May 30, 2025

Recently, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam had claimed that India has overtaken Japan as the fourth largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP. However, later, Aayog member Arvind Virmani softened the stand and said the country is on its way to replace Japan as the fourth largest economy and it is likely to happen by the end of this year.

Soon after Subrahmanyam’s remarks, Bhatia had asked whether becoming a fourth largest economy means translates into any prosperity for the citizens.

“Everyone’s gloating about India becoming the 4th largest economy. But where’s the prosperity on the streets? Why are so many still desperate to leave? GDP rankings mean little if people don’t feel the progress. What gives?” Bhatia had asked.

This led to a backlash on the internet, with several netizens questioning Bhatia’s contribution towards India’s development.

Responding to the attacks, Bhatia said, “True pride is when every Indian is educated. False pride is claiming we’ve overtaken Japan—only because their economy is shrinking.” He further added that positive criticism isn’t pessimism and that’s how people grow.

Interestingly, India had already become the third largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity way back in 2009.