“Three big questions remain unaddressed”: Jairam Ramesh slams PM Modi over Trump call
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questions PM Modi's conversation with Donald Trump, alleging silence on oil, visas, and Pakistan.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump. Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of being "eloquent by his silence" regarding several critical issues that impact India's national interests, alleging that the Prime Minister is more focused on appeasing his foreign counterparts than addressing domestic concerns.
Unanswered questions on oil and visas
In a strongly worded post on X, Ramesh highlighted that the Prime Minister's account of the discussion failed to touch upon key matters agitating the Indian public. He raised three major questions that he believes were left unaddressed during the high-level dialogue between the two leaders.
The Congress leader specifically questioned whether the Prime Minister raised India's concerns regarding the following:
- Russian Oil Imports: Whether the PM addressed the unfair targeting of India by the US due to its continued purchase of oil from Russia and its economic ties with Iran.
- Visa Issues: Whether the Prime Minister advocated for Indian professionals and students who have faced challenges regarding US visa processes.
- Pakistan Engagement: Whether the PM expressed national concern over Washington's engagement with Pakistan, particularly following the terror attacks in Pahalgam in April 2025.
Allegations of appeasement
Ramesh did not stop at questioning the agenda of the call; he also took a jab at the nature of the relationship between the two leaders. He suggested that the Prime Minister's approach appears to be one of appeasement, citing the recent discussions around UPI as an example. He questioned the definition of a "productive" conversation if it fails to tackle the pressing issues facing the nation.
The PMO's version of the call
In contrast to the opposition's critique, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement detailing a highly successful interaction. According to the official release, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reviewed progress in several vital sectors, including:
- Trade
- Defence
- Energy
- Critical technologies
The PMO stated that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close engagement to deepen cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.