‘Brazen bullies mocking India’: Congress on Donald Trump over remarks on Russian oil imports

Jairam Ramesh, general secretary and comms head of the main Opposition party, said Washington continues to follow a “blow hot, blow cold” policy toward Delhi despite repeated public displays of warmth between Modi and Trump.

“India wanted to make me happy," Trump said earlier in the day, adding, “Modi is a very good guy and he knew I was not happy. And it was important to make me happy. We can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”

Trump was apparently referring to India's oil trade with Russia, something his administration has long opposed, and which was cited as a reason for doubling the tariffs on India to 50% back in August 2025. “We could raise tariffs on India if they don't help on Russian oil issue,” the President was quoted as saying by Reuters.