Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge unleashed a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, referencing an audio clip where US President Donald Trump claimed India reduced its Russian oil imports following steep US tariffs imposed last year on Indian goods. Trump, known for his direct dealings with world leaders, reportedly stated that Modi sought to "make me happy" amid pressures over purchases from Russia, viewed by Washington as the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict, prompting Kharge to question Modi's independence in foreign policy decisions.
Kharge invoked the iconic Bollywood line "Mogambo khush hua" from the film Mr. India to mock the dynamic, asserting that Trump's words reveal Modi is "under his control" and listens deferentially, urging the Prime Minister to prioritize national interests over acquiescence. He lambasted Modi for "bending before" Trump despite their much-touted partnership between the world's largest democracies, declaring that voters did not elect him to merely nod in agreement, especially on critical energy imports vital for India's citizens.
The opposition leader tied this to Trump's repeated assertions—over 70 times—of mediating peace during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict under Operation Sindoor, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Kharge portrayed these claims as Trump's ego-driven narrative of global dominance, insisting India must resist such posturing rather than remain silent.
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Kharge also expressed alarm over the recent US military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, transported to New York for narco-terrorism charges, labeling Trump's actions as "expansionist" akin to historical figures like Hitler and Mussolini who ultimately failed. He warned that such intimidation disrupts world peace and emphasized Nehru's "live and let live" approach as India's guiding principle.
India maintains its oil procurement strategy prioritizes citizen welfare, sourcing from any nation as needed, amid ongoing geopolitical strains including US tariff threats and Reliance Industries denying recent Russian crude shipments to its Jamnagar refinery.
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