New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, a leading opposition figure, has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following recent remarks made by former US President Donald Trump regarding India-Pakistan relations. Speaking from South Korea, Trump reiterated his claim of having brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, even suggesting trade tariffs were used as leverage. Gandhi has urged Modi to respond to what he views as repeated insults from Trump.
Gandhi took to social media platform X to voice his concerns. "Trump is insulting Modi in country after country. Latest is South Korea," he stated, highlighting Trump's recent speech at the APEC summit. He further pointed out snippets from Trump's address, where the former US President "repeated that he used trade to frighten Modi into stopping Operation Sindoor" and "said 7 planes were shot down". Operation Sindoor likely references strikes on terror bases in Pakistan after the terror strike in Kashmir's Pahalgam. Gandhi then directly addressed the Prime Minister, saying, "Don't be scared Modi ji, find the courage to respond".
Trump's comments, made during an address in South Korea, included a description of Modi as "the nicest looking guy...like he’s a killer. He’s tough as hell". He went on to claim that he threatened both India and Pakistan with a 250% tariff, leading to a ceasefire. "I said I was going to put 250% tariffs on each country, which means that you'll never do business," Trump stated.
The Congress party has been relentless in its criticism. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh shared video clips of Trump's remarks, noting that the former US President has made similar claims in various countries. Ramesh said that Trump has made the reference in the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK. "He has said it mid-flight and on land".
The Indian government has maintained that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was a bilateral agreement reached after discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries, with no third-party mediation. However, this stance has not quelled the opposition's concerns.
Gandhi's criticism also extended to what he sees as Modi's silence on the issue. He alleged that Modi is "scared" of Trump and is allowing the US to dictate India's policies. This follows earlier accusations that Modi remained silent even after Trump's claims about India halting Russian oil imports.
Amidst the political sparring, the core issue remains the veracity of Trump's claims and the implications for India's foreign policy. The opposition continues to press for a response from the Prime Minister, while the government stands by its assertion of a bilateral agreement.
