Indian National Congress (INC) leader Jairam Ramesh in an X post criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for staying silent over US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that India would cut back on oil imports from Russia. Ramesh said Modi turns into a “Mauni Baba” - “silent monk”, whenever Trump mentions stopping “Operation Sindoor” - India’s punitive military strikes against Pakistan in May 2025, or asserts that India plans to reduce energy purchases from Moscow.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Trump told reporters on October 16 and reiterated the claim on October 20, that Modi had assured him India would cease buying Russian oil, describing it as a major step to increase pressure on Moscow. The statement drew political reactions in New Delhi, where officials swiftly denied any such communication between the two leaders. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said no phone call took place between Modi and Trump on October 16.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that their last conversation occurred on October 9, when Modi congratulated Trump on the Gaza peace plan and discussed progress in trade negotiations. The Indian MEA reiterated that India’s energy sourcing decisions are guided by national interests and aim to shield Indian consumers from volatility in global markets. It added that details regarding Modi’s participation in the forthcoming ASEAN Summit would be announced once finalised.

Trump and Modi were expected to meet at the sidelines of the ASEAN summit, however the controversy around Trump’s claim could jeopardise the engagement. Ramesh’s remarks also cited data alleging India’s trade deficit with China widened to $54.4bn during April–September 2025 from $49.6bn a year earlier, adding fuel to the fire of criticism of the government’s handling of trade and foreign policy.