PM Frightened of Trump: Rahul Gandhi Attacks Government After Trump Claims India Agreed to Stop Russian Oil Purchase
In a fiery escalation of political rhetoric, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after former US President Donald Trump claimed that India had agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia following his intervention. Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister was “frightened” of Trump and accused the government of surrendering India’s independent decision-making to external pressure.
Trump’s Remark Triggers Political Storm
The controversy erupted when Donald Trump, addressing a campaign rally in the United States, stated that he had asked India to halt oil imports from Russia and that the country had “agreed immediately.” His claim quickly drew global attention and sparked intense debate in Indian political circles.
Although the Indian government has not issued an official clarification, the statement was enough to fuel a storm of criticism from the opposition. Congress leaders argued that Trump’s remark suggested weakness in India’s diplomatic posture and raised doubts about the Modi government’s foreign policy independence.
Rahul Gandhi Questions India’s Sovereignty
Reacting to the development, Rahul Gandhi said Trump’s comments revealed “a disturbing truth” about the current leadership. He claimed that the Prime Minister’s approach to foreign relations was built on image management rather than assertive diplomacy.
“If a former American President can boast that India bowed to his pressure, it means the Prime Minister lacks the courage to defend India’s interests,” Gandhi said while addressing reporters in New Delhi. “India has always been known for making independent decisions. If Trump’s statement is accurate, then this government has surrendered that independence for political optics.”
He added that India’s international stature was being weakened by what he described as the Modi government’s “publicity-driven diplomacy.”
Congress Demands Official Clarification
Following Gandhi’s remarks, the Congress party demanded an immediate response from the Ministry of External Affairs. Party spokespersons insisted that India’s oil trade with Russia had been essential for maintaining energy security during global market disruptions caused by the Ukraine conflict.
They argued that any decision to limit those imports under foreign influence would represent a “compromise of national sovereignty.” The opposition also accused the Modi government of failing to protect the country’s economic and strategic autonomy, claiming that the alleged U-turn on Russian oil showed the government’s dependence on Western approval.
BJP Hits Back at Congress
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly countered the allegations, dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s statements as “irresponsible and politically motivated.” A senior BJP spokesperson said that India’s foreign policy is based on its national interests and that decisions regarding oil imports are made with full consideration of economic priorities.
The party emphasized that India has continued to import Russian oil in recent months, which it said was proof that the country’s policy remains independent and pragmatic. BJP leaders further accused Gandhi of amplifying a foreign leader’s campaign statement without verifying its context or intent.
Experts Weigh In on Diplomatic Implications
Political and foreign policy analysts noted that Trump’s claim—regardless of its accuracy—has revived discussions about India’s complex balancing act between global powers. India has maintained long-standing defense and trade ties with Russia while deepening its strategic relationship with the United States.
Observers said that if Trump’s statement holds any truth, it could complicate India’s diplomatic position at a time when the global energy market and geopolitical alignments are rapidly evolving. They also pointed out that the timing of Gandhi’s remarks suggests the opposition’s intent to keep foreign policy issues in the political spotlight ahead of upcoming elections.
A Political and Diplomatic Crossroad
The episode highlights how remarks by foreign leaders can quickly spill into India’s domestic politics. It also reflects the deep polarization between the ruling and opposition parties over India’s global posture.
While the government remains silent, the debate over Trump’s claim has already turned into a test of leadership and national pride. For Rahul Gandhi, the controversy provides another opportunity to question what he calls the government’s “timid diplomacy.” For the BJP, it is a moment to defend the Prime Minister’s image as a global leader who acts decisively for India’s benefit.
Whether Trump’s statement is factual or rhetorical remains to be seen. Yet the political aftershocks in India show how global remarks can ignite fierce domestic debate over sovereignty, strength, and self-respect — values that lie at the heart of India’s political identity.
