Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Modi-Trump 'Friendship': A Costly Affair for India

In a pointed critique on Tuesday, Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh derided the claimed camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, suggesting the association has come at a steep price for India. Ramesh remarked that the spectacle of organized events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', meant to bolster the narrative of their old friendship, has not translated into substantial benefits for the country.

Ramesh, speaking with ANI, drew attention to tariff threats and India's pressured decision regarding its purchases of Russian oil as consequences of this 'special bond'. He quipped a parallel to a familiar song: 'Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha', implying that the ties were more rhetorical than real. Ramesh's comments underscore his demand for Prime Minister Modi to address these international economic pressures.

Further questioning the dialogue claims, Ramesh noted that ongoing tariff threats signal how relations under Trump's term deteriorated, positioning India against formidable challenges alongside nations like China and Pakistan. In a recent development, Trump's claims of securing a ceasefire, known as Operation Sindoor, and threats of imposing secondary tariffs on India's Russian oil purchases have aggravated concerns, a challenge Ramesh blames on the touted friendship.

(With inputs from agencies.)