Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for his silence on US President Donald Trump’s scathing remarks and punitive trade measures against India. Kharge accused Modi of maintaining a “maun vrat” (vow of silence) in Parliament, first on Trump’s India-Pakistan ceasefire claims and now on his “baseless allegations” labeling India’s economy as “dead” due to its ties with Russia.

Trump’s latest attack, which included a 25% tariff on Indian goods plus additional penalties for India’s trade with Russia, came hours after he dismissed India’s global economic role, stating, “They can take their dead economies down together.” Kharge, in a fiery post on X, questioned Modi’s inaction: “Will Modi ji remain silent on Trump’s baseless allegations?” He emphasized that “nation comes first,” reaffirming Congress’s commitment to India’s interests.

Kharge warned that the US tariffs would severely impact India’s trade, particularly harming MSMEs, farmers, and industries. He mocked Modi’s earlier camaraderie with Trump, referencing events like “Namaste Trump” and “Abki Baar Trump Sarkar,” questioning how such “friendship” led to punitive measures. Kharge highlighted India’s oil and weapons trade with Russia and its BRICS membership as Trump’s stated reasons for the tariffs, arguing that these moves undermine India’s long-standing policy of strategic autonomy.

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Citing historical non-alignment as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, Kharge recalled the UPA government’s success under Manmohan Singh in securing a nuclear waiver from 45 countries, including the US, without compromising India’s options. He accused Modi’s foreign policy of weakening this autonomy, especially as Trump courts Pakistan on oil deals while threatening India. “We are worried about this new America-China-Pakistan axis,” Kharge said, urging the government to prioritize national interests over public relations.

The escalating tensions highlight a critical challenge for Modi’s administration as it navigates strained US relations and domestic economic concerns.

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