Kharge slams Modi over US relations, questions ‘friendship’ with Trump

Chittapur (Kalaburagi): Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, on Sunday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India’s relations with the United States, accusing the government of compromising national interests.

Addressing a gathering in Chittapur during a programme to launch development works worth Rs 1,069 crore, Kharge alleged that Modi was acting according to the interests of former US President Donald Trump.

Calling Trump an “authoritarian leader”, Kharge claimed that India’s foreign policy under the current government was weakening the country’s global standing. “The Prime Minister often claims that he shares a close friendship with Donald Trump and even speaks to him regularly. If that is the case, why is the United States imposing heavy tariffs on Indian products?” he asked.

Kharge questioned why India was unable to take independent decisions in international trade and diplomacy. “If the relationship is so strong, why does the US decide which countries India should trade with? Why can’t the Prime Minister firmly say that India will take its own decisions?” he said.

The Congress leader also criticised the Centre’s foreign policy approach, saying earlier governments maintained a balanced position in global affairs. Referring to India’s diplomatic history, he said the country had earned global respect by following an independent path in international relations.

Kharge cited the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Bangladesh Liberation War, saying India had firmly resisted international pressure during that period.

He also referred to the foreign policy framework introduced during the tenure of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, which emphasised non-alignment and independence in global diplomacy.

Raising concerns about economic issues, Kharge pointed out that around 65 percent of India’s population depends on agriculture, while in the United States only about three percent are engaged in farming.

“Despite this, Indian products face heavy taxes in the US market. At the same time, American products enter our markets easily. If the US decides from whom we should buy oil and whom we should trade with, then what is the benefit of such friendship?” he asked.

Kharge said India must safeguard its sovereignty and economic interests while dealing with global powers.

Also Read: Former MP Anant Kumar Hegde blames Hindus for defeats, roars at Bhatkal Hindu Sangama