Opposition Slams PM Modi Following Trumps Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil

The Congress party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following Donald Trump's recent threat to impose "very substantial" tariffs on India. The former US President's warning, citing New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil as "fuelling the war machine," has drawn strong condemnation from the opposition.

On Tuesday, Congress took a dig at PM Modi, with reports indicating their criticism included a remark like "Dost dost na raha" (a friend is no longer a friend) and slamming his "Huglomacy". 

This attack came after Trump stated he would "substantially" raise US tariffs on New Delhi, accusing India of buying "massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it for big profits". Trump had previously announced a 25 per cent tariff along with an unspecified "penalty" on India for its trade with Russia, ahead of an August 1 deadline.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has defended its oil imports, stating they are "a necessity compelled by the global market situation," and pointing out that critical countries are also "indulging in trade with Russia". However, the opposition is using Trump's renewed threats to intensify its critique of the Modi government's foreign policy.