Storm Before The Summit: Congress Puts Pressure On PM Modi Ahead Of Trump Meet
Opposition seeks tougher response before key US talks.
The Congress on Sunday intensified its criticism of the Narendra Modi government, demanding a stronger response to recent actions by the United States and questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would raise India’s concerns directly with US President Donald Trump during their upcoming meeting. The opposition party urged the government to postpone the scheduled visit of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, arguing that India must firmly defend its sovereignty and national interests in the face of what it described as unacceptable American actions.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Modi, who is expected to meet Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit this week, should convey India’s strongest condemnation over the deaths of three Indian sailors in a US attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast. He also questioned whether Modi would raise concerns regarding remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a recent conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, which the Congress described as threatening and inappropriate.
The opposition party also targeted the proposed interim India-US trade agreement, alleging that the deal would disproportionately benefit the United States while placing pressure on Indian farmers and domestic industries. Ramesh claimed the framework for the trade arrangement involved significant concessions from India and argued that recent developments, including a US Supreme Court ruling affecting President Trump’s tariff policies, warranted a review of the ongoing negotiations. He urged the government to reconsider the visit of the US Trade Representative until key concerns were addressed.
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The controversy comes amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the United States has enforced a naval blockade as part of its broader policy toward Iran. Several commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members have reportedly come under attack near the Oman coast in recent days. One such incident resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers, prompting New Delhi to lodge a strong protest with Washington and express concern over the safety of commercial shipping routes in the region.
India has formally conveyed its objections to the United States over the attacks on vessels carrying Indian nationals. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke with Secretary of State Rubio and described lethal actions against commercial shipping as unjustified. The government also summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi to register its protest. The incidents have heightened concerns over maritime security and the impact of escalating geopolitical tensions on global trade and energy supply chains.
The expected meeting between Modi and Trump is being closely watched as it will be their first face-to-face interaction in several months and comes at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations. Alongside discussions on trade and strategic cooperation, the talks are likely to address regional security concerns, maritime safety and the protection of Indian interests abroad. The outcome of the meeting could shape the future direction of India-US relations amid ongoing diplomatic and economic challenges.
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