The Indian National Congress on Monday took a swipe at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-government over the timing and manner in which details of a reported phone conversation between the Indian prime minister and US President Donald Trump became public, alleging that India is learning about its own government’s actions through American channels.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh posted on X: “It seems that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump spoke to each other today. This information has been provided not by the Indian side but by the US Ambassador to India.
This now seems to be the routine - India gets to know of its Govt’s actions only from President Trump or his appointees. Trump-nirbharta."
The remarks came after PM Modi welcomed the India–US trade deal announced by US President Trump, which reduces reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent following a phone conversation between the two leaders.
In a post on X, PM Modi described the exchange as warm and productive, linking the tariff cut to gains for Indian manufacturing and stronger bilateral relations.
“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.
I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” PM Modi said.
Trump had first announced the agreement on Truth Social, stating that it followed discussions with the Indian prime minister and would come into force immediately.
“Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25 percent to 18 percent,” Trump wrote.
In another post, Ramesh escalated his criticism, saying that major developments concerning India were increasingly being announced from Washington DC.
“He announced the halt of Operation Sindoor from Washington DC.
He announced the updates on India’s oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington.
He’s now announced an India-US Trade Deal from Washington, the full details of which are awaited.
President Trump clearly seems to have some leverage over Prime Minister Modi - who is now mortified of even being seen with him, let alone engage in the usual bout of hugs. It appears Mr. Modi has capitulated finally. Surely this cannot be the father of all deals.
In Washington clearly Mogambo Khush Hai. (sic)," Ramesh wrote.
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