Congress Mocks PM Modi, Calls Him ‘Mauni Baba’ After Trump Repeats Russian Oil Claim
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he turns into a “Mauni Baba” whenever US President Donald Trump makes controversial claims about India — whether it’s stopping “Operation Sindoor” or cutting down Russian oil imports.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said Trump had once again claimed that his “good friend” assured him India would scale back oil imports from Russia.
“But that good friend suddenly becomes a Mauni Baba whenever President Trump says he stopped Operation Sindoor, and now when he says India will reduce oil imports from Russia,” Ramesh said, taking a swipe at the Prime Minister.
Citing official data, Ramesh also pointed out that India’s trade deficit with China rose to USD 54.4 billion during April–September 2025, compared to USD 49.6 billion in the same period last year.
His remarks came hours after President Trump reiterated that India has “de-escalated” its purchases of Russian crude and is “pulling back.” This was the second time Trump made such a statement.
India, however, responded on Thursday, saying it was “broad-basing and diversifying” its energy sourcing based on market realities.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s energy imports are guided by “national interest” and aimed at protecting consumers amid global volatility. He also highlighted that India is expanding its energy partnership with the United States.
Earlier this week, the Congress accused Prime Minister Modi of being “frightened” of Trump and outsourcing key policy decisions to Washington. The party claimed that India’s foreign policy under Modi has “completely collapsed” and urged the government to take the opposition into confidence through an all-party meeting or individual consultations.
Tensions between India and the US have escalated after Trump’s administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, adding a 25 percent surcharge on Indian imports of Russian crude oil.
India has condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” while Washington continues to argue that New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil helps Moscow fund its war in Ukraine.
