Years of choreographed summits, photo-ops and hugs by the prime minister have yielded no tangible outcomes, says Jairam Ramesh
NEW DELHI – Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday sharply criticised the Narendra Modi government after reports emerged that Russia was supplying advanced military hardware to Pakistan, disregarding India’s repeated appeals to halt such transfers.
In a post on X, Ramesh noted that Russia — once India’s most trusted strategic partner — has chosen to ignore New Delhi’s concerns and is moving ahead with the supply of upgraded RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. The latest Block III variant of the aircraft, fitted with these engines and PL-15 missiles, is believed to have been among those used against India during Operation Sindoor, according to the Indian Air Force Chief.
Citing multiple reports, Ramesh said the deal is progressing despite direct interventions by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in June 2025. “The government owes the nation an explanation as to why a long-standing and reliable ally like Russia is now arming Pakistan, even as India continues to purchase S-400 missile systems and negotiates for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow,” he said.
Calling it yet another failure of Prime Minister Modi’s “personalised brand of diplomacy,” the Congress leader accused the government of prioritising image-building and spectacle over national interest. “Years of choreographed summits, photo-ops and hugs have yielded no tangible outcomes,” he remarked.
Ramesh further said that India’s inability to diplomatically isolate Pakistan stands exposed, as Islamabad’s leadership — including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose inflammatory remarks preceded the Pahalgam terror attack — is now being warmly received by US President Donald Trump and supplied with weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin, all while enjoying unqualified support from China.
