Rahul Gandhi Unleashes Scathing Attack: PM Modi 'Frightened of Trump' Over Russian Oil

In a scathing attack that reverberated through India's political corridors, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi fiercely criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister was "frightened of Trump." Gandhi's sharp remarks came in response to a statement from the then-US President, Donald Trump, who publicly claimed that India would cease its purchases of oil from Russia.

This assertion by the American leader sparked a significant debate in India, particularly regarding the nation's foreign policy independence and its strategic relationships on the global stage.

Gandhi, known for his often-blunt assessments of the ruling government, did not mince words. He questioned why Prime Minister Modi remained conspicuously silent in the face of such a direct and impactful statement from a foreign head of state.

According to Gandhi, Trump's unilateral declaration, suggesting a curtailment of India's energy imports from a long-standing strategic partner like Russia, amounted to an implicit challenge to India's sovereignty and its capacity to make independent foreign policy decisions. He emphasized that India’s foreign policy should serve its own national interests, not be dictated by external pressures.

The controversy underscores the delicate balance India navigates in its international relations, particularly between its traditional ties with Russia and its burgeoning strategic partnership with the United States.

India has historically relied on Russia for a significant portion of its defense equipment and, more recently, has increased its oil imports from Moscow, especially in the wake of global energy market shifts and sanctions against Russia. For Gandhi, the US President's statement, and Modi's perceived inaction, suggested a compromise of India’s autonomous decision-making process.

Critics argue that any perceived capitulation to external pressure on vital energy imports could undermine India’s geopolitical standing and its ability to secure resources at favorable terms.

Rahul Gandhi's accusation highlights a fundamental question: Is India truly charting an independent course, or is it succumbing to the dictates of more powerful global players? His comments fueled a broader discussion about the strength of India's leadership on the international stage and its commitment to an 'India First' approach in all foreign policy matters, particularly concerning its energy security and strategic partnerships.

The incident, as framed by Rahul Gandhi, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in modern international diplomacy, where economic interests, geopolitical alliances, and national sovereignty often intersect.

It challenged the government to articulate its stance clearly and reassure the public that India's foreign policy decisions remain firmly rooted in its own strategic priorities, free from undue external influence.