New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Congress party on Saturday launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following renewed remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that India had pledged to stop purchasing crude oil from Russia. The Opposition has questioned why the Prime Minister has chosen not to respond publicly to such significant claims.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media to voice the party’s concerns, referring to Trump’s latest statement in which he reiterated that Prime Minister Modi had “personally assured” him that India would stop buying oil from Russia.
“President Trump has once again claimed that his good friend gave him a promise regarding Russian oil imports. Yet, there is complete silence from that friend now — just like there was when Trump previously spoke about halting Operation Sindoor,” Ramesh wrote on X.
This is not the first time Trump has made such remarks. Earlier this month, he publicly stated that Modi had committed to scaling down energy cooperation with Moscow, a claim that was met with cautious responses from Indian officials but no direct acknowledgment or denial from the Prime Minister himself.
India’s Energy Policy Under Spotlight
In the wake of Trump’s earlier comments, the Ministry of External Affairs had clarified India’s position, stating that the country’s energy strategy is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “India remains committed to ensuring affordable and secure energy for its citizens and will continue to source oil from a range of global suppliers.”
India’s oil imports from Russia have surged since 2022 due to favorable pricing amid Western sanctions on Moscow. Despite pressure from international allies, New Delhi has defended its energy choices, citing the need to protect its economy and ensure consumer affordability.
Trade Deficit With China Also Raised
Alongside the issue of Russian oil, Ramesh also pointed to economic concerns closer to home. He highlighted that India’s trade deficit with China had widened significantly in the first half of the current fiscal year, rising to $54.4 billion from $49.6 billion during the same period in 2024.
“While the government claims it’s reducing dependency on China, the numbers tell a different story,” said Ramesh.
Congress has accused the BJP-led government of lacking transparency in foreign policy decisions and economic management, especially when such decisions appear to be discussed on global platforms without parliamentary debate or public explanation.
Opposition Seeks Official Clarification
The party is now demanding an official clarification from the Prime Minister or the Ministry of External Affairs on Trump’s renewed assertions. “If such commitments are being made at the highest level, the Indian public deserves to know the facts,” a senior Congress leader said.
With geopolitical developments impacting everything from fuel prices to foreign relations, the Opposition insists that the government must address these statements rather than sidestep them.
As India prepares for a crucial election year, foreign policy, trade, and energy security are becoming increasingly contentious political issues — and Trump’s remarks have only sharpened the debate.
