‘Dost dost na raha’: Congress mocks Modi-Trump ‘special bond’, calls it costly for India

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his much-publicised friendship with US President Donald Trump, calling it expensive and unhelpful for India.

Ramesh criticised the numerous events and photo-ops that were organised to showcase a strong personal bond between the two leaders. He claimed that despite these efforts, India is now facing serious consequences.

Citing recent developments, Ramesh pointed out that India is being threatened with higher tariffs and is under pressure from the US to stop purchasing oil from Russia. He sarcastically referred to these outcomes as the result of the "special bond" between Modi and Trump.

The Congress leader urged PM Modi to respond to these issues and explain how the much-touted friendship has actually benefited the country.

"There is a popular song 'Dost dost na raha'. PM must also know the song. 'Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha'. They conducted 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'. They said 'Abki baar Trump sarkar'. There were photo ops. Our EAM was sitting in the first row during the inauguration of President Trump. Claims were made that the PM shares a special bond with President Trump, that they are old friends...What is the result of all of it? Threats of increased tariffs are being made. This friendship proved to be very expensive. PM should answer. For years, he has been claiming that President Trump and he share a special bond, they hug, get photos clicked and hold talks. First, he (President Trump) spoke of mediation - that he got the ceasefire done. He said this 32-33 times...PM did not say anything on this. MEA has issued a statement now but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated...," Ramesh said.

Trump has claimed over 32 times that Operation Sindoor was halted because of him, the Congress MP said while questioning the silence of PM Modi.

He said that India's bilateral relations with the US have "deteriorated" with the latter becoming a challenge for the country along with Pakistan and China.

"First, he (President Trump) spoke of mediation - that he got the ceasefire done. He said this 32-33 times that Operation Sindoor was halted because of him. PM did not say anything on this. MEA has issued a statement now, but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated. Today, CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us," Ramesh said.

A new social media post from Trump threatening the levying of secondary tariffs on India for buying Russian crude oil became a source of worry. With ANI inputs