Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 21: In a sharp political escalation, the Congress party has taken aim at the Modi government, questioning its silence over US President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that India has pledged to reduce oil imports from Russia. Trump, who has raised the issue multiple times over the past week, insists that New Delhi has assured him it would scale back its Russian crude purchases — a move he argues is necessary to avoid aiding Russia’s ongoing war effort in Ukraine.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, posting on X, criticized what he described as the Ministry of External Affairs’ continued “denial mode,” stating that the ministry's pushback has been dismissed outright by the Trump camp. Ramesh pointed out that Trump has now referenced this supposed commitment from Prime Minister Modi at least three times in five days and hinted that further mentions are likely, especially with a meeting scheduled between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest later this week.

The controversy has intensified following Trump’s warning — delivered aboard Air Force One — that India could face further economic penalties, including steep tariffs, if it ignores US concerns about ongoing Russian oil imports. Just days ago, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, followed shortly by an additional 25% duty, signaling mounting friction between the two countries.

According to Ramesh, Trump claims he discussed the oil issue directly with Modi, whereas the Indian government maintains no such conversation has occurred. The contradiction has fueled opposition accusations that the government is either not being transparent or is being sidelined in critical foreign policy discussions. The broader context of this row ties back to American allegations that India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil amounts to indirect support for Russia’s military campaign — a charge New Delhi has repeatedly denied.