Amidst repeated claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter. Ramesh's latest statement marks what he claims is the "9th time in 20 days" that Trump has asserted his influence in bringing about the truce, prompting him to urge Modi to "speak up."

Ramesh, the Congress General Secretary, has been vocal in questioning Modi's silence on Trump's repeated assertions that he used tariffs as leverage to encourage both India and Pakistan to cease hostilities. Trump has stated on multiple occasions across various international platforms, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, that his administration successfully brokered a historic ceasefire, using trade as a significant tool.

"Our Prime Minister does not want to hear about tariffs; our Prime Minister only wants to hear 'Tareef' (praise). So, the PM is silent on this. The Prime Minister has not said anything," Ramesh stated, accusing Modi of prioritizing praise over engaging in serious discussions about economic policies and diplomatic issues.

Ramesh has also raised concerns about Trump's remarks equating India and Pakistan, questioning how India, with an economy ten times larger than Pakistan's, could be placed "in the same boat." He criticized the Indian government's apparent lack of response to these claims, emphasizing the need to defend India's diplomatic standing.

The Congress leader has further pointed out that U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Luttnick, have supported Trump's claims in formal statements. Luttnick reportedly filed a statement in a New York court, asserting that Trump used his tariff power to broker a "tenuous ceasefire" and bring about a "fragile peace" between India and Pakistan.

The Indian government, however, has maintained that the ceasefire understanding was reached through direct negotiations between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, without any mediation by a third party. They have consistently rejected claims of external involvement, emphasizing that the agreement resulted from direct communication between New Delhi and Islamabad, with no connection to trade negotiations.

In addition to questioning Modi's silence on the Trump claims, Ramesh has also criticized the Prime Minister for not addressing other pressing national issues, such as the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He has called for an all-party meeting and a special Parliament session to discuss the attack and related security concerns, accusing the government of inaction against terrorists.