Dost, dost na raha: Congress mocks Modi-Trump 'special bond' amid tariff threat
Dost, dost na raha: Congress mocks Modi-Trump 'special bond' amid tariff threat
M.U.H
05/08/202556
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP government's foreign policy, questioning the much-touted "special bond" between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, alleging that it has come at a cost to India.
His remarks were in response to the fresh turbulence the India-US diplomatic landscape appears to be facing over Trump’s threat to India for purchasing Russian oil.
Ramesh invoked the popular Hindi song Dost dost na raha (A friend is no longer a friend) to underscore his point, quipping, "PM must also know the song. Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha (A friend is no longer a friend, Trump, my friend, we no longer trust you)."
"Claims were made that the PM shares a special bond with President Trump, that they are old friends. What is the result of all of it? Threats of increased tariffs are being made. This friendship proved to be very expensive. The PM should answer," the General Secretary said at a press meet.
Ramesh also pointed out past high-profile events like "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump," and even the slogan "Abki baar Trump sarkar," slamming these were just "photo ops".
Trump recently imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and threatened further penalties if India continues purchasing oil from Russia. He went so far as to describe the Indian economy as "dead" and accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through its oil imports. In a strongly worded response, India on Monday rejected the US stance, calling it unjustified and hypocritical.
The Congess leader added, "MEA has issued a statement now, but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated". He also warned of a new geopolitical threats, saying, "Today, CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us".
Ramesh further highlighted President Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire, which he said Trump mentioned "32-33 times," while PM Modi remained silent on the issue.
Trump on Monday threatened to raise tariffs against India for buying 'massive amounts' of oil from Russia amid its war with Ukraine.
"India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA," he said.
Trump recently imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and threatened further penalties if India continues purchasing oil from Russia. He went so far as to describe the Indian economy as "dead" and accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through its oil imports. In a strongly worded response, India on Monday rejected the US stance, calling it unjustified and hypocritical.
The Congess leader added, "MEA has issued a statement now, but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated". He also warned of a new geopolitical threats, saying, "Today, CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us".
Ramesh further highlighted President Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire, which he said Trump mentioned "32-33 times," while PM Modi remained silent on the issue.
Trump on Monday threatened to raise tariffs against India for buying 'massive amounts' of oil from Russia amid its war with Ukraine.
"India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA," he said.
