New Delhi: A political storm erupted on Thursday after US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia. Reacting sharply, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the prime minister of surrendering to American pressure and being “frightened of Trump.”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition wrote that PM Modi “allowed” the US president to “decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil.” Gandhi further alleged that despite facing repeated diplomatic “snubs,” Modi continues to send Trump congratulatory messages, describing it as a display of weakness on the global stage.
PM Modi is frightened of Trump.
1. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil.
2. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs.
3. Canceled the Finance Minister’s visit to America.
4. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh.
5. Doesn’t contradict him…— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 16, 2025
The Congress MP’s remarks come a day after Trump, during a press briefing at the Oval Office, stated that Modi had assured him that India would no longer import oil from Moscow — calling it a “big step” in pressuring Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
The statement has triggered fresh debate in Indian political circles, with opposition leaders questioning the government’s foreign policy stance, while BJP sources maintain that India continues to take decisions based on national interest and economic security.
