‘Brazen Bullies’: Congress Critiques PM Modi Over Donald Trump’s Russian Oil Remarks

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US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on India again. He said he might do this if India does not stop buying Russian oil. Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One on 4 January 2026. He claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi reduced oil imports just to "make him happy." The Congress party in India quickly attacked this claim. They called the government "weak" for letting the US dictate India's choices.

Personal Ties and High Taxes: The New Trade Reality


President Trump says he has a good bond with PM Modi. However, he also uses tough trade rules. In August 2025, the US raised taxes on Indian goods to 50%. Trump says this was a punishment for India buying oil from Russia. He told reporters that Modi "knew I was not happy." He warned that he can raise these taxes "very quickly" if things do not change.

The Congress party is using these words to criticize the government. Leaders like Jairam Ramesh say that old events like 'Howdy Modi' did not help India. They argue that the US is acting like a "bully." They want to know why India is following US pressure instead of its own plan. The Indian government has not yet given a formal reply to these specific comments.

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  • Economic Risk: Will the Russian Oil Trade Cause an Export Crisis in 2026?
    Many news reports focus only on politics. However, the real danger is to India's economy and its small businesses.
  • Exports are Falling: New data shows that Indian exports to the US fell by over 20% in late 2025. This happened on account of the high 50% tax.
  • A Strategy in the "Grey Zone": India is trying to buy oil from both the US and Russia. In late 2025, India doubled its oil purchase from the US to show support. However, it also kept buying a lot from Russia because it is cheaper.
  • Who Loses the Most: Small businesses that sell clothes, jewelry, and car parts are hurting. They cannot pay the high taxes and keep their prices low. If taxes go even higher in 2026, many of these businesses might have to close.

The alliance between Trump and Modi is facing a big test. India needs cheap oil to keep fuel prices low at home. But it also needs to sell its goods to the US to grow its economy. Right now, trying to do both is not working. In the next six months, the Indian government must make a firm decision. 

If they do not pick a side or arrange a new deal, the high taxes could strain the relationship between the democracies. This would make everything from gas to local goods more expensive for everyone in India.

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