New Delhi, October 16, 2025: A political storm erupted on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would halt oil imports from Russia. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted sharply, accusing the prime minister of yielding to American pressure and being “frightened of Trump.”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition wrote that Modi “allowed” the U.S. president to “decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil.” Gandhi further alleged that, despite repeated diplomatic “snubs,” Modi continues to send Trump congratulatory messages, describing it as a display of weakness on the global stage.
The Congress leader’s remarks follow Trump’s Oval Office briefing, where he said Modi had assured him India would no longer import oil from Moscow, calling it a “big step” to increase pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The statement has ignited fresh debate in Indian political circles, with opposition leaders questioning the government’s foreign policy approach. BJP sources, however, maintain that India’s decisions continue to be guided by national interest and economic security.
