The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday criticised the United States President’s stance towards India, alleging that Washington continues to follow a “blow hot, blow cold” policy despite repeated public displays of warmth between the two countries’ leaders.
In a post on X, Ramesh said the US President has once again threatened higher tariffs on Indian imports, linking the warning to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. He remarked that high-profile public events such as “Namaste Trump” and “Howdy Modi,” along with repeated gestures of personal bonhomie and social media praise, have brought little tangible benefit to India.
“The PM’s good friend in the White House continues his ‘blow hot, blow cold’ approach to India. He has again threatened higher tariffs on US imports from India if India does not stop buying oil from Russia. All those Namaste Trump, Howdy Modi events, all those (forced) hugs, and all those social media posts praising the US President have done very little good,” Ramesh wrote.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also attacked the Centre, accusing it of failing to defend India’s dignity on the global stage. In a post on X, she alleged that India was being publicly humiliated by US leaders while the Prime Minister remained silent.
“Trump is openly mocking India. A US Senator claims the Indian ambassador is begging to keep the President in good humour. Trump says Modi reduced Russian oil imports under US pressure to please him. Such bullying is happening, but there is no response from the Prime Minister,” Shrinate said.
The remarks come after US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to India over its imports of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday (local time), Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his displeasure and suggested that tariffs could be raised quickly if India did not comply.
“PM Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said.
The issue of oil trade has gained renewed geopolitical significance following recent US actions involving Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves but has seen production decline due to sanctions and underinvestment.
Trump’s comments come amid increasing scrutiny in Washington over India’s energy trade with Russia. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its oil purchases are guided by national interest and domestic energy security. The remarks also follow a recent phone conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Modi, during which both leaders emphasised the need to sustain momentum in bilateral trade ties despite ongoing tariff-related tensions.
