Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, “PM Modi is frightened of Trump. He allows the American leader to decide and announce that India will halt Russian oil imports"
In a bold critique on October 16, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “frightened” of US President Donald Trump, claiming that Modi has allowed the American leader to influence key Indian decisions. Gandhi’s remarks targeted Trump’s assertion that Modi promised to halt oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
Gandhi wrote on X, “PM Modi is frightened of Trump. He allows the American leader to decide and announce that India will halt Russian oil imports. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs. Cancelled the Finance Minister’s visit to the US. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. Doesn’t contradict him on Operation Sindoor.”
Echoing Gandhi, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the government’s stance, stating, “At 5:37 pm IST on 10 May 2025, US secretary of state Marco Rubio was the first to declare that India has halted Operation Sindoor. Subsequently, President Trump has claimed on 51 occasions across five countries that he intervened using tariffs and trade pressure to stop Operation Sindoor. Yet our Prime Minister remained silent. Now President Trump has announced that Mr. Modi has assured him India will not import oil from Russia. It appears that key decisions of the nation have been outsourced to America. The vaunted 56-inch chest has shrunk and shriveled.”
Trump, speaking at the Oval Office on October 15, emphasized his influence, saying, “He (Modi) is a friend of mine, we have a great relationship… but we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia, because that helped Russia continue this ridiculous war where they’ve lost over a million lives. I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step.”
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has significantly increased Russian crude purchases since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, rising from less than 1% to nearly 40% of its imports, driven by affordability. New Delhi insists its energy strategy prioritizes national security and remains independent, balancing relations with Russia and the US.
The controversy highlights tensions in India’s foreign policy, with Gandhi’s accusations fueling domestic debates on sovereignty.
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