Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly yielding to US President Donald Trump’s influence on India’s policies. Ramesh, in a social media post, pointed out Trump’s involvement in recent India-US announcements, including a proposed trade deal with reduced tariffs and a halt in oil purchases from Russia. He suggested that Modi’s actions indicate a significant concession to Trump’s demands.
Ramesh’s comments were triggered by Trump’s claims of stopping “Operation Sindoor” and changes in India’s oil imports, which were initially unconfirmed by Indian authorities. The Congress leader implied that Trump’s influence over Modi was evident in the recent bilateral decisions announced from Washington, raising concerns about external pressures on India’s sovereignty. The reference to “Mogambo Khush Hai” from a Bollywood movie was seen as a subtle dig at Trump’s perceived dominance in the relationship.
The criticism follows a phone call between Modi and Trump, where the US President took credit for averting a supposed conflict and influencing India’s energy trade choices. Trump’s repeated mentions of “Operation Sindoor” and unilateral announcements have led to skepticism and opposition claims of foreign interference in India’s decision-making processes. The latest development of an India-US trade deal has further fueled debates on the extent of US influence on Indian policies.
