Congress Targets PM Modi After US Claim India Missed Trade Deal Opportunity
ANI Via Hindustan Times
The Congress on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticised the United States administration after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that India missed out on a trade deal with Washington due to a lack of direct leadership-level engagement. The remarks have triggered a political row, with Opposition leaders questioning both the US approach and the Centre’s handling of India–US trade negotiations.
The controversy stems from Lutnick’s statement that a potential trade agreement failed because Prime Minister Modi did not personally call US President Donald Trump to finalise the deal.
Congress’s Reaction
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at the Prime Minister using Bollywood-style sarcasm. Sharing a video on social media, Ramesh said, “Hug hug na raha, post post na raha,” mocking the government’s earlier emphasis on personal diplomacy and public displays of bonhomie with global leaders.
He further added a pointed line from a popular Hindi song, saying, “Kya se kya ho gaya, bewafa teri dosti mein,” in an apparent dig at what the Congress described as a deterioration in India–US ties under the current circumstances.
The remarks were widely shared online and added fuel to the ongoing political debate over India’s foreign and trade policy.
Manish Tewari Slams US Remarks
Congress MP Manish Tewari took a more measured but firm stance, criticising the US Commerce Secretary’s comments as deeply flawed. Speaking to PTI, Tewari said that suggesting international trade deals succeed or fail based on who calls whom reflects an “imbecile approach” to diplomacy.
“India and the United States share a deep civilisational and strategic relationship, not limited to the Asia-Pacific alone,” Tewari said. He added that the US administration must recognise India’s long-term strategic importance in the region, something he argued the Trump administration appears to be overlooking.
What the US Commerce Secretary Said
Howard Lutnick claimed that although the Trump administration was eager to conclude an early trade deal with India, New Delhi failed to act in time. Speaking on the All-In Podcast, he said the agreement was “all set up” but required a direct call from Prime Minister Modi to President Trump.
Lutnick also outlined Trump’s “staircase” trade strategy, where countries that moved early were offered the best terms, while others faced higher tariffs later.
Trade Deadlock Context
Despite negotiations beginning in February 2025 and multiple rounds of talks, including a December visit by a US delegation led by Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer, India and the US have not finalised a deal. As a result, the Trump administration’s 50% tariff on Indian goods, including penalties linked to India’s purchase of Russian energy, remains in force.
Our Thoughts
The sharp exchange highlights growing friction in India–US trade ties and the political sensitivity surrounding diplomacy driven by personal engagement. While strategic partnerships cannot hinge solely on individual phone calls, the episode underscores the need for consistent, institution-driven diplomacy that protects national interests beyond personalities.