Congress vs BJP: Row Erupts Over Modi’s Defense of Russian Oil Imports
India’s political landscape heated up on Monday as the Congress party clashed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his X (formerly Twitter) post addressing India’s energy imports. The debate was sparked by former US President Donald Trump’s claim that India and China are buying massive quantities of Russian oil, reigniting discussions on India’s foreign policy and energy security.
Trump’s Russia Oil Claim & Modi’s Indirect Rebuttal
During a Pennsylvania rally, Donald Trump accused Russia of profiting from oil sales to India and China while criticizing Biden’s energy policies. Though India has remained neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its increased Russian crude purchases since 2022 have faced global scrutiny.
PM Modi responded on X without directly naming Trump, stating:
“India’s energy security is non-negotiable. Our government has diversified energy sources, reduced dependency on single nations, and boosted renewables. We ensure affordable fuel for 140 crore Indians while upholding global sustainability commitments.”
The post was seen as a counter to criticism over India’s Russian oil reliance.
Congress Fires Back: ‘Hypocrisy on Fuel Prices’
The Congress party swiftly rebutted Modi’s stance. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh posted:
“But Mr. Modi, in 2014 you mocked UPA for high fuel prices. Now, petrol/diesel costs are at record highs, and India buys more Russian oil than ever. Was energy security not a priority then, or is this just political spin?”
The Opposition has long accused the BJP of failing to reduce fuel prices despite leveraging discounted Russian crude, alleging that savings aren’t passed to consumers.
India’s Energy Policy: Pragmatism or Contradiction?
Since 2022, India’s Russian oil imports surged from under 2% to over 30% of total crude purchases. The government defends this as economic pragmatism, while critics argue it contradicts Modi’s 2014 promises of affordability.
Key points:
– Global Balancing Act: India walks a tightrope between Western allies and Russia.
– Fuel Price Debate: Despite stable global crude rates, domestic prices stay high due to taxes.
Election Flashpoint: Energy & Foreign Policy in Spotlight
With elections nearing, energy policy is a key battleground:
– BJP’s Pitch: Policies shield India from global volatility.
– Opposition’s Charge: Government profits at public’s expense.
Trump’s remarks have amplified domestic sparring, showcasing how international statements influence Indian politics.
Conclusion: A Fuel-Powered Political Battle
The Congress’s sharp retort underscores simmering tensions over energy policy and economic management. As elections approach, expect more clashes over Russian oil, fuel pricing, and Modi’s legacy. The BJP’s next move—a detailed rebuttal or continued social media skirmishes—remains to be seen.
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