Kharge accuses PM Modi of ‘ceding diplomatic space,’ raises concerns over India’s strategic autonomy

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that India’s strategic autonomy and national sovereignty were under threat due to the government’s handling of foreign policy and energy trade decisions.

In a post on X, the Congress president claimed that recent developments surrounding India’s purchase of Russian oil and diplomatic engagements with the United States indicated that the government was conceding ground internationally. Referring to reports of a temporary waiver related to oil purchases from Russia, Kharge said the language used in such arrangements was inappropriate for a country like India.

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“The US proclamation to ‘allow’ and grant us ‘permission’ to buy Russian oil, as a ‘waiver for 30-days’, clearly demonstrates the Modi government is continuously ceding diplomatic space,” Kharge wrote. “This is the kind of language used for sanctioned states, not India, which has been a responsible and equal partner in the global order.”

Kharge also criticised what he described as repeated pressure from former US President Donald Trump on India’s strategic and economic decisions. Listing several instances in his post, he alleged that announcements related to a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor and other international developments were made by Trump rather than by Indian authorities.

“Modi ji’s friend Mr Trump announces a ceasefire first during Operation Sindoor, not us. He announces that he stopped the war, at least 100 times. The PM remains silent,” Kharge said.

He further alleged that India had altered its oil import decisions under external pressure. “They tell India not to buy Iranian oil and the government of India succumbs. Mr Trump tells us not to buy Russian oil and the government reduces imports,” Kharge said.

The Congress president also referred to a reported Indo-US trade arrangement, claiming it was linked to India limiting purchases of Russian oil. “Mr Trump announced the Indo-US trade deal agreement, which is contingent on India not buying Russian oil, and Modi ji puts a stamp of approval,” he said.

Kharge argued that India historically maintained an independent foreign policy and suggested that previous prime ministers had resisted pressure from other countries. Referring to leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said India had always charted its own course in global affairs.

“India has a proud record of charting our own destiny. From Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi to even Atal Bihari Vajpayee, no prime minister has buckled under pressure of any country and made India a virtual vassal state,” Kharge wrote, adding that the government had “surrendered” diplomatic space in areas ranging from trade to energy.

India has significantly increased crude oil imports from Russia since the start of the Russia–Ukraine War in 2022, taking advantage of discounted supplies amid Western sanctions on Moscow. New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that its energy purchases are guided by national interest and aimed at ensuring affordable supplies for the country.

The issue of energy imports and foreign policy autonomy has become a subject of political debate in India, with opposition parties questioning the government’s approach, while the Centre maintains that it continues to pursue an independent and balanced global strategy.