Jairam Ramesh, a prominent leader of the Congress party, has raised critical questions regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. The Congress leader’s comments focus on key issues related to the relationship between India and the United States, particularly concerning US actions towards India’s oil imports from Russia and visa matters affecting Indian professionals and students.

In a statement shared on X, Ramesh expressed that the Prime Minister’s account of the conversation was notably silent regarding significant concerns that are currently influencing public sentiment in India. He highlighted three main questions that he believes remain unanswered following the call.

Ramesh specifically asked whether Prime Minister Modi communicated India’s worries about the US’s stance on India’s trade with Russia, as well as its economic relations with Iran. He emphasised that these matters reflect broader national concerns that should have been addressed during the discussion.

Indian Professionals and Visa Issues

Further questioning the dialogue, Ramesh sought clarification on whether the Prime Minister raised concerns related to the US’s approach towards Indian professionals facing challenges with visa applications. This issue has been a long-standing topic in the discussion about India-US relations, drawing attention from various sectors within India.

Ramesh’s remarks underscored the significance of addressing these visa-related issues, which directly affect the mobility of numerous Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. He voiced the need for a more robust representation of Indian interests in such high-level discussions.

In continuation of his critique, Ramesh questioned whether Modi discussed India’s apprehensions regarding the US’s engagement with Pakistan. He referred to past incidents, including the April 22, 2025 terror attacks in Pahalgam, to underscore the necessity for the Prime Minister to articulate these concerns in his conversations with US leadership.

Allegations of Appeasement and Relationship Dynamics

Ramesh also expressed discontent with what he deemed an appeasing stance of Prime Minister Modi towards President Trump. He suggested that the Prime Minister’s recent actions, including aspects of their communication, may reflect a desire to maintain a positive rapport at the cost of addressing critical issues important to the Indian populace.

He pointed out that the Prime Minister characterising the conversation as “productive” does not align with the concerns that he believes should be at the forefront of the bilateral dialogue. Ramesh indicated that such subtleties are crucial for the integrity of India’s international relations.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi did engage in a telephonic conversation with President Trump, focusing on a range of areas including trade, defence, energy, and emerging technologies. This call aimed at reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation and reinforcing the commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership as indicated by a release from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The interaction between the two leaders reaffirmed their intention to strengthen collaboration for the mutual benefit of both nations. However, the Congress leader’s remarks signal ongoing concerns about how effectively India’s interests are represented in dialogues with major foreign powers, particularly in sensitive areas like trade and national security.

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