NEW DELHI: Congress on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on PM Modi, mocking the much-touted "special bond" between him and US President, following Donald Trump's latest threat to raise tariffs on India over its continued oil imports from Russia.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, in a scathing statement laced with sarcasm and Bollywood references, said the so-called "friendship" with Trump had now become "very expensive" for India.
"There is a popular song 'Dost dost na raha'. PM must also know the song. 'Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha'," Ramesh said.
Ramesh did not hold back as he reminded the public of previous high-profile events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'.
"They conducted 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'. They said 'Abki baar Trump sarkar'. There were photo ops. Our EAM was sitting in the first row during the inauguration of President Trump. 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," he said.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, accused India of buying large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it on the open market for profit, vowing to substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has since issued a strong rebuttal, defending India's right to shape its energy policy based on national interest.
Ramesh also aimed at PM Modi's silence when Trump controversially claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
"He said this 32-33 times. PM did not say anything on this. MEA has issued a statement now, but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated," Ramesh said.
"Today, CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us," he added.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, in a scathing statement laced with sarcasm and Bollywood references, said the so-called "friendship" with Trump had now become "very expensive" for India.
"There is a popular song 'Dost dost na raha'. PM must also know the song. 'Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha'," Ramesh said.
Ramesh did not hold back as he reminded the public of previous high-profile events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'.
"They conducted 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'. They said 'Abki baar Trump sarkar'. There were photo ops. Our EAM was sitting in the first row during the inauguration of President Trump. 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," he said.
#WATCH | On US President Trump saying he will substantially raise tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, Congress MP, Jairam Ramesh says, "...For years, PM has been claiming that President Trump and he share a special bond...This friendship proved to be very expensive...MEA… pic.twitter.com/yBPzxFrOmQ
— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025
Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, accused India of buying large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it on the open market for profit, vowing to substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has since issued a strong rebuttal, defending India's right to shape its energy policy based on national interest.
Ramesh also aimed at PM Modi's silence when Trump controversially claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
"He said this 32-33 times. PM did not say anything on this. MEA has issued a statement now, but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated," Ramesh said.
"Today, CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us," he added.
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