Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding an "immediate" India-US trade agreement. The announcement, made from Washington, outlined that New Delhi would work towards reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American goods, while the United States would reciprocally lower tariffs on Indian products.
Ramesh Questions Announcement Location and Modi's Stance
In a social media post on platform X, Ramesh pointed out that several significant announcements affecting India have recently been made from the US capital. He highlighted the halt of Operation Sindoor, updates concerning India's crude oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela, and now the trade deal itself as examples. "He announced the halt of Op Sindoor from Washington DC. He announced the updates on India's oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington. He's now announced an India-US Trade Deal from Washington, the full details of which are awaited," Ramesh wrote, expressing skepticism about the origins of these declarations.
Allegations of US Leverage and Modi's Response
Ramesh further alleged that President Trump appears to hold considerable influence over Prime Minister Modi, suggesting a shift in their previously public camaraderie. "President Trump clearly seems to have some leverage over Prime Minister Modi - who is now mortified of even being seen with him, let alone engage in the usual bout of hugs," he stated. The Congress leader insinuated that Modi has "capitulated" under pressure, questioning whether this agreement could be termed "the father of all deals."
To emphasize his attack, Ramesh employed the Bollywood catchphrase "Mogambo Khush Hai," implying satisfaction on the US side. "In Washington clearly Mogambo Khush Hai," he remarked, drawing a parallel to a iconic villain character to underscore his criticism of the perceived dynamics.
Trump's Announcement and Modi's Gratitude
Ramesh's comments came shortly after President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared that India had agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil and would instead increase imports from the US and potentially Venezuela. Trump argued that this shift would contribute to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, he stated that the US would reduce reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%, with India committing to lower its tariffs and non-tariff barriers against American goods to "zero."
In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude towards Trump for the tariff reduction announcement. Through a post on X, Modi conveyed his delight that Made in India products would benefit from a reduced tariff of 18%. He extended thanks to the US President "on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India" for what he described as a "wonderful announcement," highlighting the positive aspects of the trade agreement from the Indian perspective.
The exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions and diplomatic maneuvers surrounding international trade policies, with opposition leaders scrutinizing the government's actions and alliances on the global stage.
