File photo NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “surrendering” under “pressure” and contrasted his leadership with that of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.Gandhi’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump, speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, claimed that PM Modi had sought an audience with him. “Prime Minister Modi came to see me, ‘Sir, may I see you please’. Yes,” Trump said. ‘No Strategic Sense’: Ex-NSA John Bolton Slams Trump Over India Tariffs Trump also referred to India facing steep tariffs, saying New Delhi was “paying a lot of tariffs now” and had “reduced” the purchase of Russian oil “substantially”.Gandhi shared a video message on X with the caption “Fark samjho sirji”.“I know these BJP–RSS people very well now. Put a little pressure on them, give them a little push and they run away in fear,” Gandhi said. “As soon as Trump signalled from there, they picked up the phone and said, ‘What are you doing Modi ji?’ Narendra surrendered and with ‘yes sir’, Narendra Modi ji followed Trump’s signal.”Drawing a comparison with the 1971 war, Gandhi said India had once stood firm despite US pressure. “You might remember a time when the phone call didn’t come — the Seventh Fleet had come. In the 1971 war, the Seventh Fleet came, weapons came, an aircraft carrier came. Indira Gandhi ji said, ‘I will do what I have to do.’ This is the difference,” he said, referring to the United States Seventh Fleet.Trump has imposed tariffs totalling 50% on Indian exports, including a 25% levy linked to India’s procurement of Russian oil.“I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now because they’re not doing the oil — but they are, they’ve now reduced it very substantially,” Trump said.The tariffs, imposed in August, have triggered multiple rounds of trade talks and at least four conversations between the two leaders, but have yet to yield a bilateral trade deal.Separately, Trump also said in his remarks that India had flagged delays in the delivery of Apache helicopters, claiming New Delhi has been waiting for the aircraft for five years.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 MediaVideos’No Strategic Sense’: Ex-NSA John Bolton Slams Trump Over India TariffsIndia Knows Pakistan Will Not Abandon Terrorism, Jaishankar Says India Has Policy To Deal With ItTrump Boasts Of 68 Apaches For India As Contracts And Delivery Data Expose The Claim As FalseDelhi: 5 Cops Injured, 10 Detained As Anti-Encroachment Drive Near Mosque Turns ViolentJaishankar Expresses India’s Concern Over Venezuela, Urges All Parties To Prioritise Citizen SafetyIndia Sees Luxembourg As Key Ally In Recalibrating European Union Partnership, Says EAM JaishankarEconomist Warns India Growth Faces Global Trade Shock, Climate Risks, Fiscal Stress Ahead Of BudgetDonald Trump Says PM Modi ‘Not Happy With Me’ Over Higher Russian Oil Tariffs”BJP People Are Mute” Owaisi Targets PM Modi Over Trump’s ‘Make Me Happy’ RemarkBMC Becomes Mega Battleground As Thackerays Reunite And Alliances Shift Ahead Of Civic Wars 2026123Photostories6 easy ways to include mushrooms for vitamin D7 popular places to eat near Marine DriveChange your lifestyle to become more attractive based on your birth numberHow to talk to teens about failure without sounding preachyAditya Dhar and Karan Johar to Sandeep Reddy Vanga and SS Rajamouli: Here’s what top Indian filmmakers are planning next after the 2025 blockbuster.Trying to help? Here’s what not to say to a new mother postpartumBaby names for the firstborn boy in the familyShimla is packed — here are 5 hill destinations Indians are choosing instead7 reasons why teens need private space—even from siblingsStones, sirens and bulldozers: Inside Delhi’s explosive midnight demolition (In photos)123Hot PicksBudget 2026Venezuela NewsGold rate todayStock Market TodayCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingNikki Bella BoyfriendTommy Fleetwood and Clare FleetwoodKarl Anthony Town FianceeIndia Apache DealDelhi Air PollutionWipro Work From Office RuleMustafizur RahmanGreenland RowVenezuela Presidential Palace GunfireHouse GOP members
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “surrendering” under “pressure” and contrasted his leadership with that of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.Gandhi’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump, speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, claimed that PM Modi had sought an audience with him. “Prime Minister Modi came to see me, ‘Sir, may I see you please’. Yes,” Trump said.
Trump also referred to India facing steep tariffs, saying New Delhi was “paying a lot of tariffs now” and had “reduced” the purchase of Russian oil “substantially”.Gandhi shared a video message on X with the caption “Fark samjho sirji”.“I know these BJP–RSS people very well now. Put a little pressure on them, give them a little push and they run away in fear,” Gandhi said. “As soon as Trump signalled from there, they picked up the phone and said, ‘What are you doing Modi ji?’ Narendra surrendered and with ‘yes sir’, Narendra Modi ji followed Trump’s signal.”Drawing a comparison with the 1971 war, Gandhi said India had once stood firm despite US pressure. “You might remember a time when the phone call didn’t come — the Seventh Fleet had come. In the 1971 war, the Seventh Fleet came, weapons came, an aircraft carrier came. Indira Gandhi ji said, ‘I will do what I have to do.’ This is the difference,” he said, referring to the United States Seventh Fleet.Trump has imposed tariffs totalling 50% on Indian exports, including a 25% levy linked to India’s procurement of Russian oil.“I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now because they’re not doing the oil — but they are, they’ve now reduced it very substantially,” Trump said.The tariffs, imposed in August, have triggered multiple rounds of trade talks and at least four conversations between the two leaders, but have yet to yield a bilateral trade deal.Separately, Trump also said in his remarks that India had flagged delays in the delivery of Apache helicopters, claiming New Delhi has been waiting for the aircraft for five years.
