New Delhi: The Congress on Monday took a swipe at the government over US President Donald Trump’s remarks that Washington can raise tariffs on New Delhi “very quickly”, saying all those “Namaste Trump, Howdy Modi events, forced hugs”, and social media posts hailing the American leader have done very little good.
The opposition party’s dig came after Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew he was not happy with India’s purchases of Russian oil and that Washington can raise tariffs on New Delhi “very quickly”.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “The PM’s good friend in the White House continues his ‘blow hot, blow cold’ approach to India. He has yet again threatened higher tariffs on US imports from India if India did not stop buying oil from Russia.”
“All those Namaste Trump, Howdy Modi events, all those (forced) hugs, and all those social media posts hailing the US President have done very little good,” Ramesh said.
Congress spokesperson and party’s social media head Supriya Shrinate also lashed out at the government over Trump’s remarks.
“Trump stands there sniggering, humiliating and making fun of India. US Senator, standing next to Trump claims that the Indian ambassador is begging him with an aim to keep the President in good humour,” she said on X.
“Trump asserts Modi has reduced Russian oil import under US pressure to make him happy. Such brazen bullies are mocking my country – but not a word from the Prime Minister. Modi is a coward, weak man who can’t stand up to bullies for defending India’s honour,” Shrinate claimed.
Trump, while talking to reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One en route to Washington DC from Florida, said, “They (India) wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly. It would be very bad for them.”
Trump’s remarks came after US Senator Lindsey Graham, accompanying him on Air Force One, said that the tariffs imposed on India by Trump are the “chief reason” New Delhi is now buying substantially less Russian oil.
Graham spoke about his tariff bill that seeks to impose 500 per cent levies on imports from countries buying Russian oil.
The US senator said that to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pressure must be put on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s customers.
Trump said that the sanctions are hurting Russia very badly and then mentioned India. Graham then said that the US put a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian oil.
“I was at the Indian Ambassador’s house about a month ago and all he wanted to talk about is how they are buying less Russian oil. ‘Would you tell the President to relieve the tariff?'” Graham said.
