Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp critique of the BJP government's foreign policy on Tuesday, specifically targeting the much-publicised 'special bond' between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh argued that this relationship has proven to be detrimental to India's interests.
His comments came in response to a fresh wave of diplomatic tension, fueled by Trump's recent threat to raise tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. To emphasise his point, Ramesh used the famous Hindi song 'Dost dost na raha' (A friend is no longer a friend). He quipped, "PM must also know the song. 'Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha' (A friend is no longer a friend, Trump, my friend, we no longer trust you)."
Speaking at a press conference, the Congress General Secretary said, "Claims were made that the PM shares a special bond with President Trump, that they are old friends. What is the result of all of it? Threats of increased tariffs are being made. This friendship proved to be very expensive. The PM should answer." Ramesh also pointed to past events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump,' along with the slogan 'Abki baar Trump sarkar,' labelling them as mere 'photo ops' that have failed to yield substantive benefits.
Also Read: Congress slams PM over Trump tariffs, cites 'personal ties'
Trump had recently imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and threatened further penalties if India continues its oil trade with Russia. He went as far as to call the Indian economy 'dead' and accused India of indirectly funding Russia's war in Ukraine. In a strong and detailed response on Monday, India rejected the US stance, calling it unjustified and hypocritical, and pointed to continued Western trade with Russia.
Ramesh further stated that while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has now issued a statement, 'it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated.' He also warned of a new geopolitical challenge, summarising it as 'CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us.'
Additionally, Ramesh brought up President Trump's repeated claims of having mediated a ceasefire, which Ramesh said Trump had mentioned '32-33 times,' noting that PM Modi has remained silent on the issue.
Also Read: Jairam Ramesh mocks PM as Trump slaps 25% tariffs on India
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