Trump’s remark on PM Modi sparks controversy after old video resurfaces

New Delhi: A political storm has erupted after an old video of former US President Donald Trump resurfaced in which he claimed that he could “destroy the political career” of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Modi) if he wanted to.

The statement, though made in a lighter vein last year, has now gone viral and triggered sharp reactions in India. The video clip, originally from October 2025, began circulating widely on social media soon after reports emerged of a new trade agreement between India and the United States.

In the clip, Trump is seen responding to questions from journalists about his relationship with Prime Minister Modi. “Modi is a good man. I don’t want to ruin his political life. But he loves me,” Trump said, adding that Modi had agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia at America’s request.

Political analysts say Trump’s remarks were apparently made in a humorous context, suggesting that if India abruptly halted Russian oil imports, it could create political problems for Modi at home. However, the blunt manner in which the statement was delivered has now provided ammunition to opposition parties in India.

Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan shared the video on social media platform X and raised questions over its implications. “Trump is effectively saying that Modi loves him because he can destroy his political career.

What does this mean? Does Trump possess some evidence which could damage Modi politically?” Bhushan asked in his post, using the hashtag “Epstein Files.” Opposition leaders have seized upon the clip to question the nature of India-US relations and the growing closeness between the two leaders.

Several Congress leaders alleged that Trump’s comments indicate that India is being pressured into decisions that may not be in its national interest. The controversy comes in the backdrop of a recent phone conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Modi on February 2, 2026.

Following the discussion, the United States reportedly agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent. Trump also announced that Modi had agreed to stop importing crude oil from Russia as part of the new trade understanding.

Instead, India would purchase goods and energy supplies worth nearly $500 billion from the US and Venezuela, he claimed. The development has triggered a fresh political debate in India.

Opposition parties have accused the Modi government of compromising India’s economic sovereignty and foreign policy independence under American pressure. They argue that India has historically maintained strategic autonomy and balanced relations with global powers, including Russia.

Meanwhile, government sources have dismissed the controversy, stating that India takes decisions purely based on national interest. They maintained that strengthening trade ties with the US would benefit India’s economy in the long run.

As the viral video continues to make waves, political observers say the episode has once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of Trump’s statements and their potential diplomatic fallout.

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