Congress Criticizes Modi Government Over Trump's Venezuela Oil Remarks
The Congress party on Sunday launched a sharp critique against the Narendra Modi-led government following remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding India's oil purchasing plans. Trump indicated that India would shift from buying Iranian oil to Venezuelan oil, prompting Congress to question the transparency of the government's foreign policy decisions.
Trump's Statement on Oil Deals
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, US President Donald Trump revealed details about international oil agreements. According to news agency ANI, Trump stated, “China is welcome to come in and make a great deal on oil. We've already made a deal. India is coming in, and they're going to be buying Venezuelan oil as opposed to buying it from Iran. So, we've already made the concept of the deal.”
This comment follows a Reuters report that the US had informed New Delhi about the potential resumption of Venezuelan oil purchases to replace Russian oil imports. The move is part of broader US efforts to cut oil revenue funding Russia's war in Ukraine, with Trump having imposed 25% tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan oil, including India, in March last year.
Congress Reaction and Historical Context
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh responded by sharing an audio clip of Trump's remarks on social media platform X. Ramesh highlighted past instances where Trump provided information about Indian government actions, saying, “He (Trump) told us Op Sindoor had been halted. He told us India had stopped buying Russian oil. And now this.”
Ramesh added pointedly, “President Trump continues to give us information on what our own government has done or will be doing,” suggesting a lack of official communication from the Modi administration on these sensitive matters.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and the US, with the Trump administration pressuring Tehran for negotiations. Trump's comments align with a Semafor report, cited by ANI, about the US making its first $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil.
Earlier, Trump mentioned that Venezuela had offered Washington 50 million barrels of oil worth $5.2 billion, which he agreed to. After the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump emphasized that Washington would manage the nation's transition and demanded total access to Venezuelan oil and resources.
Political and Economic Ramifications
This development raises questions about India's energy security strategy and diplomatic alignments. The Congress party's criticism underscores concerns about:
- The transparency of India's foreign policy under the Modi government
- Dependence on external sources for critical energy decisions
- The impact of US sanctions and tariffs on India's oil procurement
- Geopolitical balancing between relations with Iran, Russia, and the US
The episode highlights how international statements by foreign leaders can become focal points for domestic political criticism, particularly regarding sensitive matters of national interest and economic policy.
