Congress Urges Delay of US Trade Representative's Visit Amid Rising Tensions

Congress Criticizes Modi Government's Handling of US Relations

New Delhi: The Congress party has launched a fierce critique of the Modi administration, suggesting that India should postpone the forthcoming visit of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. They argue that a nation with dignity should take stronger actions than just phone calls and press releases to safeguard its sovereignty against perceived aggressors.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a meeting with US President Donald Trump this week, the opposition is questioning whether he will address the recent tragic deaths of three Indian sailors due to a US military strike on a vessel near the Oman coast. They also highlighted the 'unacceptable' remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on June 12.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress's general secretary for communications, pointed out that Modi's upcoming meeting with Trump raises critical questions for Indian citizens regarding the government's stance on these issues.

Ramesh emphasized, "The primary concerns are whether PM Modi will condemn the killing of the sailors and address Rubio's threatening language during his discussion with Jaishankar."

The US Trade Representative is expected to visit India soon to finalize the Indo-US Trade Deal, which has raised eyebrows within the Congress party.

Ramesh recalled that the framework for an interim trade agreement was introduced by Trump at Modi's request on February 3, 2026, amid pressure from Rahul Gandhi's criticisms in Parliament regarding Modi's approach to China.

He claimed that the deal, which he described as more of a 'steal,' involved significant concessions from the Modi government that could jeopardize the livelihoods of Indian farmers and industries.

Ramesh noted that other countries, like Malaysia, have nullified their trade agreements with the US following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the Trump tariffs that underpinned these agreements.

He criticized the Modi administration for not rejecting a trade deal that threatens the future of millions of farmers in India, while also remaining silent as Rubio announced a commitment for India to purchase $500 billion in US goods over the next five years, effectively doubling India's annual imports from the US.

In light of the recent interactions between Rubio and Jaishankar, the Supreme Court's decision against Trump's tariff system, and the inherent unfairness of the trade deal, Ramesh insisted that India should delay Greer's visit.

He stated, "Any nation that respects itself would take more decisive actions than mere phone calls and press statements to protect its sovereignty from bullies."

Reports indicate that Trump is scheduled to meet Modi on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in France on Wednesday, marking their first in-person meeting since February of the previous year. This meeting comes amid heightened concerns regarding the deaths of Indian sailors on commercial vessels targeted by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz.

This will also be the first direct interaction between the two leaders since the India-US relationship faced challenges following Operation Sindoor and the imposition of heavy tariffs by Washington on New Delhi.

The two leaders have had several phone conversations and agreed on a framework for an interim bilateral trade deal in February, which is currently under negotiation.

Ramesh's comments followed a US warning to India regarding any violations of its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the illicit transport of Iranian oil.

Rubio communicated this to Jaishankar during a recent call, where Jaishankar lodged a strong protest against the deaths of Indian nationals in US military actions against ships off the Oman coast.

According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio emphasized that all commercial vessels must comply with US orders to maintain peace and security in the Strait.

He reiterated that violations of the US blockade and illegal transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated.

Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, restricting ship movements to and from Iranian ports as part of its strategy to limit Tehran's oil trade.

This week, three vessels with Indian crews were attacked near the Oman coast, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers on Wednesday.

In response, Jaishankar contacted Rubio to express India's outrage over the deaths caused by a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

Jaishankar stated on social media that such lethal actions against commercial shipping are unjustifiable.

Earlier on Friday, India summoned the US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks in New Delhi, expressing that the US military's lethal strikes on commercial vessels with Indian crew members off the Oman coast are unacceptable.

Shortly thereafter, Trump accused Iran of conducting drone attacks against Indian ships departing from the Strait of Hormuz, labeling it as completely unacceptable.