Congress Criticizes PM Modi for Inadequate Representation of India’s Interests at G7 Summit

The Indian National Congress has expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent participation in the G7 summit held in France, accusing him of failing to adequately represent India’s energy interests, economic needs, and strategic autonomy. As an invitee to the prestigious event, India was presented with an opportunity to assert its leadership in the Global South, a chance the Congress feels was squandered.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Congress party articulated its hope that the Prime Minister would use the summit to advocate for India’s position effectively. Instead, they argue, the outcomes revealed a significant disconnect between Modi’s rhetoric and the tangible results of the meetings. The party highlighted a crucial bilateral discussion between Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that Modi did not safeguard India’s energy sovereignty. This lapse, they argue, could have severe repercussions for Indian citizens, particularly concerning rising fuel and consumer prices.

The backdrop to this criticism lies in the complexities of India’s energy imports, particularly from Russia, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. In August, the United States had imposed a heavy tariff of 25% on India due to its acquisition of Russian oil, although this was lifted after a bilateral trade agreement was reached in February. Earlier this year, U.S. authorities had provided Indian refiners with a temporary 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil that was effectively stranded at sea due to the conflicts in West Asia.

In April, this waiver was extended until mid-May, giving Indian importers some respite. However, the Congress party’s criticism suggests that Modi missed a key opportunity to secure a more permanent exemption or address the sanctions directly during his meetings at the summit. As India grapples with the implications of these sanctions, including potential hikes in fuel prices, the Congress claims that failures in diplomatic negotiations place an additional burden on the Indian populace.

The G7 summit was viewed as a significant diplomatic event where leaders discuss pressing global challenges and foster international cooperation. Critics from the Congress argue that Modi’s lack of effective negotiation not only jeopardizes India’s energy security but also undermines its overall economic stability. In light of these developments, the Congress party calls for greater accountability and a more robust strategy in India’s foreign policy, especially in engaging with major global powers like the United States.

Source: scroll.in