Congress Criticizes PM Modi Following Trump’s Remarks on India-Russia Oil Deals
Opposition questions government’s silence as US President asserts India will cut Russian oil imports
New Delhi, Oct 22 : The Congress party on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following repeated claims by US President Donald Trump regarding India’s oil imports from Russia.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out that while PM Modi acknowledged Trump’s Diwali greetings, he remained silent on the US President’s assertions about India curbing Russian oil purchases.
“While Mr. Modi conceals, Mr. Trump reveals,” Ramesh wrote on X, highlighting the growing discrepancy between the two leaders’ statements. Trump has mentioned India’s oil imports from Russia four times in six days, including his latest claim that PM Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil.
The controversy erupted after Trump stated that Modi personally committed to reducing Russian oil imports. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied any such discussion, prompting a diplomatic back-and-forth. Ramesh said Trump’s statements raise serious questions about India’s energy security strategy and its handling of US-India relations.
He further questioned the Prime Minister’s silence, asking, “Why is Modi not replying to Trump directly? Why is he hiding behind the External Affairs Ministry and asking officials to respond?”
The matter has ignited a wider debate in India, with opposition leaders demanding clarity on the government’s stance and its approach to energy diplomacy. The Congress urged the government to address the issue directly and reassure citizens and global partners about India’s energy policy.
