Jairam Ramesh Criticizes PM Modi Over US-Pakistan Relations
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that Trump's recent support for Pakistan during the Afghanistan conflict has exposed Modi's leadership. Ramesh argues that the interim trade agreement between India and the US is a failure, highlighting the one-sided nature of the deal that favors American farmers while imposing high tariffs on Indian solar imports. He emphasizes that the world, particularly the US, has recognized Modi's true nature as a self-proclaimed global leader. This critique comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Trump asserting his good relations with Pakistan's leadership. Read on for more insights into this political discourse.
| Feb 28, 2026, 12:38 IST
Congress MP's Sharp Critique of PM Modi
On Saturday, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh launched a fierce critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the recent stance of US President Trump regarding the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict has exposed the self-proclaimed global leader. Ramesh characterized Trump's "clear and open support" for Pakistan amid escalating tensions with Afghanistan as a significant blow to India's hegemonic aspirations.
In a social media post, Ramesh emphasized that Trump's overt backing of Pakistan during the Afghan conflict represents yet another setback for India's influence. He did not hold back in praising an individual whose provocative remarks allegedly set the stage for the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which were attributed to Pakistan.
Read More: What prompted the announcement of the US Trade Deal? Jairam Ramesh questions PM Modi
Referring to the interim trade agreement between India and the US, Ramesh claimed that the economic diplomacy between the two nations has been "severely unsuccessful." He accused the Prime Minister of agreeing to a clearly unilateral trade deal, wherein India committed to importing from American farmers, receiving only vague concessions in return. He stated that the failure of our economic diplomacy with the US is evident from Modi's sudden capitulation to a clearly one-sided trade agreement, which includes a firm commitment to import from American farmers while the US has made ambiguous commitments to increase exports to India. Furthermore, shortly after this agreement, the US imposed a staggering 125.87% import duty on solar modules coming from India.
The interim agreement includes provisions for India to eliminate or reduce tariffs on various American industrial goods, food items, and agricultural products, while the US imposes an 18% reciprocal tariff on certain Indian-origin goods under an existing executive order, with a provision to remove tariffs upon successful completion of the agreement. Ramesh remarked on X that while the Prime Minister may achieve rewards through his means, the reality is that the self-proclaimed global leader has been unmasked, and the world, especially the US, has recognized his true nature.
Read More: Jairam Ramesh's sarcasm on US-Pakistan friendship, 'PM Modi's diplomacy has completely failed'
This incident follows President Donald Trump's remarks on Friday (local time) about considering intervention in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, while emphasizing his good relations with Pakistan's leadership. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, "I would intervene. But my relationship with Pakistan is very good. They have a great Prime Minister, a great General, and a great leader. These are two people I respect a lot. Pakistan is doing very well." Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of retaliatory attacks, raising fears of a broader military conflict in the region.