Congress Questions Modi on Lack of Transparency About Trump Calls
'Why does PM Modi refuse to accept he speaks to Trump?' asks Congress
Congress Demands Clarity
During a recent press briefing, senior Congress leaders expressed concern that Prime Minister Modi has never publicly acknowledged the frequency of his interactions with Donald Trump during and after his presidency. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala questioned why the Prime Minister chooses to remain silent on such a significant diplomatic matter, saying, “Why does PM Modi refuse to accept he speaks to Trump? What is there to hide?”
According to Congress, the Modi government’s reluctance to share even basic details about these calls raises doubts about the transparency of India’s foreign policy decisions. They argue that in a democratic setup, the Prime Minister owes an explanation to the nation when engaging in repeated, unrecorded communications with foreign leaders, especially when those leaders are no longer in office.
Opposition Alleges Secrecy in Diplomacy
Opposition leaders have gone as far as to allege that the Modi-Trump conversations might have involved topics beyond conventional diplomatic boundaries. “When a Prime Minister engages in private talks without official transcripts or briefings, it undermines institutional accountability,” Congress stated in its official press release.
They further pointed out that unlike his predecessors, Modi’s style of diplomacy often relies on personal rapport rather than formal channels, a trait they argue can sometimes blur the line between statecraft and personal image-building.
BJP’s Response
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed Congress’s remarks as baseless and politically motivated. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated that “PM Modi’s global outreach has strengthened India’s standing in the world. The Congress should focus on constructive opposition rather than creating unnecessary controversy.”
Bhatia further added that such conversations are a normal part of international diplomacy, especially when they concern economic, defence, or regional cooperation. “It is laughable that Congress sees conspiracy in every diplomatic engagement,” he said.
Experts Weigh In
International relations experts suggest that while informal diplomatic communication isn’t unusual, transparency remains essential in maintaining democratic accountability. Dr. Meera Menon, a professor of Political Science at Delhi University, noted, “Leaders across the globe often maintain informal contact with their counterparts. However, transparency about these interactions helps build public trust and ensures no misinterpretation of national interests.”
Analysts believe that the controversy also reflects a growing polarisation in India’s political landscape, where even routine diplomatic exchanges can become a subject of intense debate.
Previous Modi-Trump Interactions
Modi and Trump have shared a visible public rapport since the latter’s term in office. From the massive ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston in 2019 to Trump’s visit to India in 2020 for the ‘Namaste Trump’ rally in Ahmedabad, the two leaders showcased a strong bond that extended beyond traditional diplomatic courtesy.
However, critics argue that this bond sometimes prioritised optics over substance. “We saw more of Modi and Trump hugging each other on camera than discussing policy,” quipped a senior Congress member, suggesting that the relationship was more about political showmanship than meaningful dialogue.
Public Reaction
On social media, reactions were divided. Supporters of the BJP lauded Modi’s outreach as a sign of India’s rising global influence, while opposition voices echoed Congress’s demand for more transparency. Hashtags such as #ModiTrumpCalls and #TransparencyMatters trended on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the public’s growing curiosity about the nature of these alleged conversations.
The Larger Question of Accountability
At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question — should informal diplomatic communications be disclosed to the public? Congress believes they should, at least in summary form, to maintain public confidence in foreign policy decisions. Meanwhile, the BJP insists that certain aspects of diplomacy must remain confidential to safeguard national interests.
As the controversy unfolds, both sides appear determined to use the issue to their political advantage ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session. With Parliament expected to reconvene later this month, observers predict the topic may feature prominently in the debates.
Stay tuned to WORLD FAST 24/7 NEWS for verified updates as the investigation continues.
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