PM Modi is 'frightened' of US President Trump: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi said this after Trump claimed that Modi assured him that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia — a move he described as a 'big step' in increasing pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and said he is "frightened" of US President Donald Trump.

He said this after Trump claimed that Modi assured him that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia — a move he described as a "big step" in increasing pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Taking to his X account, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "PM Modi is frightened of Trump, as he allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil; Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs; Canceled the Finance Minister’s visit to America."

"Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh; Doesn’t contradict him on Operation Sindoor," he added.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, also lashed out at the government over the issue.

"At 5:37 PM Indian Standard Time on May 10, 2025, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the very first to announce that India has halted Operation Sindoor. Subsequently, President Trump has claimed 51 times in 5 different countries that he had intervened to stop Operation Sindoor by using tariffs and trade as his weapon of pressure. Yet our PM kept silent," Ramesh said on X.

"Now President Trump has declared yesterday that Mr. Modi has assured him that India will not import oil from Russia. Mr. Modi appears to have outsourced key decisions to America. The 56-inch chest has shrunk and shrivelled," he said.

Speaking to reporters at his Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said the US was not happy that India was buying Russian crude, arguing such purchases helped finance President Vladimir Putin's war.

"He (Modi) is a friend of mine, we have a great relationship... we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that let Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they've lost a million and a half people," Trump said in response to a question.

"I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big step. Now we've got to get China to do the same thing," he said.

(With PTI inputs)