The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha shared his own old video in which he had alleged that Prime Minister Modi “surrendered” after a call from U.S. President Trump during the India-Pakistan military conflict.
| Photo Credit: Reuters, ANI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) attacked the Union government in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tariffs, invoking a contrast with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s handling of U.S. pressure during the 1971 war.
Mr. Trump, speaking at the House Republicans retreat on Tuesday, had said Mr. Modi was “not that happy with me” over tariffs imposed by Washington on New Delhi, particularly the tariffs that have been linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil. Claiming a close personal relationship with the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that Mr. Modi had come to meet him and acknowledged that India was now paying “a lot of tariffs”, though it had reduced oil imports from Russia “very substantially”.
Reacting to these remarks, Mr. Gandhi posted “Farq samjho, sir ji! [Understand the difference, sir]” on X and shared an old video clip of himself in which he had alleged that Mr. Modi had “surrendered” after a call from Mr. Trump during an India-Pakistan military stand-off.
Video clip shared
In the same video, Mr. Gandhi had contrasted this with Indira Gandhi’s leadership in 1971, when, he said, she did not budge despite the U.S. sending its Seventh Fleet. “This is the difference,” he had remarked.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh also took a dig at the Prime Minister, sharing a clip of Mr. Trump’s remarks. “From Namaste Trump to Howdy Modi to Donald bhai and now this. What next?” Mr. Ramesh wrote on X.
Mr. Trump had announced 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.
He also referred to delays in defence supplies, saying India had been waiting for five years for Apache helicopters. “We’re changing it. We’re changing it. India ordered 68 Apaches,” the U.S. President said.
The Congress had earlier criticised the government over Mr. Trump’s assertion that Washington could raise tariffs on India “very quickly”, arguing that high-profile events such as “Namaste Trump” and “Howdy Modi”, public displays of bonhomie, and social media praise for the U.S. President had delivered little tangible benefit for India.
Published – January 07, 2026 03:58 pm IST
