Row erupts over BJP leader Ram Madhav’s claim that India halted Russian oil buys

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former national president Ram Madhav sparked controversy by stating that India had stopped purchasing oil from Russia and Iran to strengthen ties with the United States. Speaking at a Washington panel discussion titled “New paths forward for the US-India relationship”, he claimed New Delhi accepted a 50% US tariff quietly despite opposition criticism.

“We agreed to a 50% tariff without saying too much,” Madhav said. “So, where exactly is India not doing enough to work with America?” The panel included former diplomat Elizabeth Threlkeld and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell; its exact date remains unclear.

Social media clips of the event prompted Congress to label Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “puppet” of US President Donald Trump. “It’s obvious – Narendra Modi is completely compromised, and the country is paying the price,” the party alleged. MP Shama Mohamed echoed this, saying Madhav’s remarks validated claims that Modi sacrificed India’s interests to appease Trump.

Madhav later clarified on X: “India didn’t agree to stopping import of oil from Russia anytime. Also it vigorously protested 50% tariff imposition. I was trying to make a limited counterpoint to the other panellist. But factually incorrect. My apologies.”

The remarks followed US tariffs on Indian goods reaching 50%, including a 25% punitive levy in August over Russia oil purchases, which Washington said fuelled the Ukraine war. New Delhi prioritised energy security in response. Trump’s February 7 executive order lifted the extra 25% tariff after an interim trade deal cut reciprocal rates to 18%.