New Delhi – Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump once again claimed that India had agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. This marked the fourth time in six days that Trump repeated the statement, prompting Ramesh to accuse the Prime Minister of withholding details about their recent conversation.
Ramesh questions Modi’s silence on Trump’s remarks
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh remarked that PM Modi had publicly acknowledged receiving a call from Trump but mentioned only that the US President had extended Diwali greetings. Ramesh alleged that Modi was concealing the full extent of their discussion, which Trump had “revealed.”
“The PM has finally acknowledged publicly that President Trump called him up and that the two spoke to each other. But all that the PM has said is that the US President extended Diwali greetings. But while Modi conceals, Trump reveals,” Ramesh wrote.
He further claimed that Trump disclosed that the two leaders had also spoken about India’s oil imports from Russia, and that Modi had assured the US that such imports would be stopped.
“On his part, the US President has said that in addition to extending Diwali greetings, he spoke of India’s oil imports from Russia and that he had been assured that these imports will be stopped. This is the fourth time in six days that the US President has announced India’s policy,” Ramesh added.
PM Modi thanks Trump for Diwali greetings
The Congress leader’s remarks came shortly after PM Modi posted on X, thanking Trump for his warm Diwali wishes. Modi’s post focused on the shared democratic values and global partnership between India and the United States.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms,” the Prime Minister wrote.
The exchange followed a telephonic conversation between the two leaders, reportedly held on the occasion of Diwali. The White House later confirmed that the discussion covered bilateral ties and regional stability.
Trump reiterates claim of India halting Russian oil imports
At a Diwali celebration at the White House on Tuesday (local time), Trump reiterated his statement about India’s commitment to stop buying oil from Russia. He described his conversation with PM Modi as “great,” adding that they also discussed trade and regional peace.
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade… and also about avoiding wars with Pakistan. He’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years,” Trump said during the event.
The US President’s comments again sparked political discussion in India, with opposition leaders questioning why India’s official statement did not mention any conversation on oil imports or foreign policy assurances.
Opposition questions government transparency
Jairam Ramesh’s comments add to growing political criticism that the Modi government has not been transparent in its handling of foreign policy communications, particularly on sensitive matters like energy imports amid global tensions.
This is not the first time Trump has claimed to announce India’s policy before official confirmation from New Delhi. Ramesh pointed out that Trump had previously revealed India’s decision on ‘Operation Sindoor’ before it was formally announced by Indian authorities.
Political analysts note that such remarks could complicate diplomatic communications between the two countries, especially given India’s balanced stance on Russia amid Western sanctions.