PM Narendra Modi 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. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: UAE embassy in Iraq attacked, Hezbollah drones target IsraelMiddle East war enters day 12 as US, Israel unleash ‘heaviest strikes’ on Iran as Tehran rules out ceasefireIndian shops, restaurants in UK’s Wembley vandalised in targeted attacks“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 policy Her 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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Shops Attacked In London By Masked Gang, Restaurants And Stores Targeted In Wembley’We Agree To Remain…’: Jaishankar Calls Up Iran FM Araghchi Amid Looming Energy Crisis Due To War’Good Actors’: White House On ‘Temporary Permission’ To India Over Russian Oil PurchasesModi Meets Jaishankar, Puri As India Secures Energy Routes Amid Iran WarUAE Ambassador Slams Tehran Strikes, Says India’s Voice ‘Carries Weight’ In West Asia‘Iran’s New Leader Won’t Live In Peace’, Says Trump; Tehran warns ‘Beware, Lest You Be Eliminated’’Om Birla Perfected Art Of Turning Off Microphones Of Oppn MPs’: Explosive Mahua Moitra In Lok SabhaPost-Operation Sindoor, India Formalises Its Military Transformation Blueprint With Vision 2047’There’s Only One Leader Who…’: Priyanka’s Counter-Attack On Rijiju’s ‘Hug And Wink’ Dig At RahulAsaduddin Owaisi Questions Legality Of Speaker Role During No-Confidence Motion In Lok Sabha123PhotostoriesGolden Retriever: 7 reasons why this dog breed is good for childrenFrom selling his trophy for Rs 400 to feed his family to owning a luxurious 4-BHK home; A look at Sudesh Lehri’s inspiring journey3 Indian pizzerias among the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026Shooting outside Rihanna’s home: What we know so far5 of India’s most extreme places to visit6 luxury car features that quietly make driving more comfortable8 iconic buildings and the names of famous architects who made themBaby names for boy born on Wednesday5 vegetarian foods packed with more protein than meatHow to grow strawberries in balcony garden123Hot PicksIT rulesUAE Travel AlertUCC gender biasCovid vaccine compensation policyIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIran War Impact on IndiaParliament Budget SessionUS Strike on Iran OilBengal assembly electionsUS military strikes IranSwitzerland bus fireIran WarBrain dead womenBhadreshkumar PatelTexas visa fraud
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 policy Her 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.
