'Blatant insult': Congress takes swipe at PM Modi after US official's 'permitted India' remark on Russian oil

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning its silence after a US official reiterated the United States has “permitted” India to temporarily purchase Russian oil.In a post on X, the opposition party highlighted remarks by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who called India a “good actor” while using the word “permitted.” The Congress asked: “Why is the Government of India not objecting to this blatant insult to our sovereignty and dignity? Instead of defending India’s honour, Prime Minister Modi chooses to remain conspicuously silent.” The party demanded answers from the BJP-led government, alleging that PM Modi’s silence amounts to silent admission. “So the country must ask: What is he afraid of? Why are India’s decisions being dictated from outside? Why is Narendra Modi being blackmailed by the United States? The people of India deserve answers. Because India’s sovereignty is not negotiable,” the Congress added.Also Read | India once defied pressure to buy Russian oil. So why did it need a US 'waiver' now?Leavitt said during a media briefing on Tuesday that Washington has “permitted” New Delhi to temporarily purchase Russian oil to address disruptions in global energy supplies amid the West Asia conflict. She emphasized that India had been a “good actor” by previously stopping purchases of sanctioned Russian oil and that the measure would not provide significant financial benefit to Russia.“I have spoken to the president and the secretary of the treasury, and the national security team made this decision because our allies like India have been good actors. As we work to address temporary global oil supply gaps caused by the Iranians, we have temporarily permitted India to accept Russian oil,” Leavitt told reporters.Also Read | 'Mind your own business': Kamal Haasan’s sharp message to Trump on India's oil policyHer remarks come amid heightened Middle East tensions following the killing of Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US–Israeli strikes on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted both Israel and American assets in several Gulf countries. The strikes also killed several senior Iranian officials.On March 5, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver allowing New Delhi to purchase Russian crude.Last year, US President Donald Trump had imposed 50% tariffs on India, including 25% for Russian oil imports. Washington had alleged that New Delhi’s purchases were “funding Putin’s war machine” in Ukraine.In February, India and the US announced a delayed bilateral trade agreement, under which American tariffs on India were reduced to 18%. Later that month, the US Supreme Court, through a majority ruling, invalidated Trump’s tariffs, prompting the two countries to defer further trade talks.