Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a sharp political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing an alleged audio clip of former US President Donald Trump related to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Kharge claimed the clip suggests that India showed willingness to reduce imports of Russian crude after the US imposed heavy tariffs last year, a move Washington justified by calling Russia the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict.
Referring to Trump’s comments, Kharge alleged that the former US president claimed Modi “respects him and listens to him,” and even said, “Modi wanted to make me happy.” The Congress chief said such remarks raise serious questions about India’s foreign policy independence and the Prime Minister’s approach to global diplomacy.
“I do not understand why the Prime Minister is bending before Trump. This is harmful for the nation,” Kharge told reporters in New Delhi. “The people of this country did not elect a Prime Minister to simply nod to whatever a foreign leader says. A Prime Minister must stand firm for national interest.”
Taking a sarcastic swipe, Kharge compared Trump’s remarks to a famous Bollywood dialogue, saying the situation reminded him of “Mogambo Khush Hua,” implying undue influence and self-glorification by the US leader. According to Kharge, Trump’s repeated claims, particularly about playing a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, reflect an attempt to project himself as a dominant global figure.
Kharge also voiced concern over recent developments involving Venezuela, including the arrest of leader Nicolas Maduro, warning against what he described as “expansionist and intimidating tendencies” by powerful nations. He cautioned that such approaches threaten global peace and stability.
India, meanwhile, has consistently maintained that it will purchase oil from any source, prioritising the interests of its citizens and national economy, regardless of external pressure.
