Congress Questions PM Modi’s Energy Diplomacy Following Trump’s Russian Oil Remarks

Congress party sharply criticized the Indian government for its handling of US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to end India's Russian oil imports. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh highlighted that Trump has invoked the issue three times in five days, dismissing the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) denials as ineffective. This comes amid Trump's preparations for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, heightening pressure on New Delhi's energy diplomacy.

Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on October 19, warned of "massive tariffs" on Indian goods unless imports cease, claiming Modi assured him during a recent call that the shift would occur "soon." He reiterated similar statements on October 15 and 16, describing it as a "big step" toward isolating Moscow. These remarks follow August 2025 tariffs doubling duties to 50%, with a 25% surcharge tied to Russian crude buys.

Ramesh, posting on X, noted: "President Trump says he has spoken to his good friend Mr. Modi and India has promised to stop these imports. The MEA says it is unaware... but President Trump has clearly brushed aside the MEA's attempts at denial." He accused Modi of turning into a "mauni baba"—a silent figure—on such matters, including prior claims about halting "Operation Sindoor." Congress alleges this reflects a "collapsed" foreign policy, with Modi "frightened" of Trump and outsourcing decisions to Washington, urging an all-party meeting for transparency.

Also Read: BJP Accuses Karnataka Govt of ‘Tax Chori’ Amid Bengaluru Civic Crisis

The MEA, on October 16, refuted any October 15 call, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating: "As per my information, there was no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and US President Trump yesterday." The last interaction was on October 9. Officials emphasized India's policy to "broad-base and diversify" energy sources for consumer protection in volatile markets, with Russian crude now at 34% of imports—up from under 1% pre-2022 Ukraine invasion.

Since the invasion, discounted Russian oil has helped curb India's inflation, with September volumes at 1.62 million barrels per day and October projected to rise 20% to 1.9 million. US advisor Peter Navarro has labeled this a "laundromat for the Kremlin," accusing India of funding the war. Abrupt cessation could raise costs, risking fuel price spikes as India nears status as the world's top oil importer by 2030.

The dispute strains US-India ties, with Trump privately calling the Ukraine conflict "Modi's war." As tariffs bite and imports persist, Congress warns of diplomatic vulnerability, demanding Modi clarify to safeguard national interests.

Also Read: Congress Accuses LDF of Hidden Deal With BJP After Kerala Signs Up for PM SHRI