New Delhi: A social media post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ignited a political controversy, after opposition leaders and senior journalists accused him of hiding the “real purpose” of a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump.
Modi had publicly stated that President Trump called him to extend greetings for the Hindu festival of Diwali. However, the opposition alleges that Modi deliberately concealed the main topics of the discussion: US pressure to stop oil purchases from Russia and other trade matters.
Opposition leader Supriya Shrinate strongly challenged Modi’s version of events. “Modi said that Trump called to wish him a happy Diwali,” she posted, “but Trump also said that Modi has promised not to buy oil from Russia.”
In a sharp critique of India’s foreign policy, Shrinate added, “The truth is, Modi does whatever Trump says. Trump makes India’s policy, and Modi just says yes (ji hazuri).” She also noted that Trump has already taken credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire 56 times.
Similarly, prominent Indian journalist Suhasini Haidar highlighted the omissions. She questioned why the Prime Minister’s readout failed to include key details: “Narendra Modi mentioned terrorism,” she wrote, “but what was discussed regarding trade and oil purchases? He didn’t tell.”
