Congress Criticizes PM Modi for Ignoring Seafarers’ Killing During US Meeting

The Congress party has launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that his administration prioritizes public relations over national interests. The central point of contention is the Prime Minister's recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, during which the opposition claims Modi failed to address the recent killing of three Indian seafarers in a US military strike.

Criticism of Diplomatic Priorities and Engagement

During a press briefing in New Delhi, the head of Congress's media and publicity department, Pawan Khera, expressed strong disapproval of the Prime Minister's conduct during his bilateral meeting with President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Khera characterized the interaction as submissive, arguing that the Prime Minister appeared focused on personal praise rather than pressing the United States for accountability regarding the tragic loss of life.

The opposition party contrasted this approach with historical precedents set by former leaders. They referenced how past Congress administrations, specifically mentioning Manmohan Singh during the 2013 diplomatic row concerning Devyani Khobragade and Indira Gandhi, maintained a firm stance when engaging with American leadership. Khera argued that these past leaders consistently upheld the nation's primary interests, a standard he claims has been abandoned in the current political climate.

Broader Concerns Regarding India-US Relations

The Congress leadership also highlighted several other areas of concern stemming from the recent diplomatic interactions. They pointed to the renaming of the US Indo-Pacific Command, the representation of PoK as part of Pakistan on US maps, and the suspension of EB-2 and EB-5 visas for Indians in the July 2026 visa bulletin as negative developments that went unaddressed. The party further scrutinized the lack of a strong response regarding the sinking of the IRIS Dena vessel in March, which was an entity connected to Indian maritime interests.

While reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi did touch upon the safety of seafarers generally during the G7 discussions, the opposition insists that failing to specifically confront the US President about the killing of the three Indian sailors during their joint public remarks was a significant diplomatic oversight. The government, meanwhile, has emphasized that the meeting covered comprehensive topics, including trade deals, defense ties, and regional stability in West Asia, with Trump expressing positive sentiments toward the Indian leadership.