New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday took a swipe at the Centre over the announcement of the India–US trade deal, alleging that key national decisions are increasingly being communicated by US President Donald Trump or his representatives rather than by the Indian government.

Referring to what he described as a growing dependence on Washington, Ramesh termed the situation “Trump-nirbharta” and cited both last year’s Operation Sindoor and the latest trade deal announcement as examples.

His remarks came after President Trump said on Truth Social that he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the two countries had agreed on a trade deal under which tariffs on “Made in India” goods would be reduced to 18 per cent.

Ramesh claimed that news of the Modi-Trump conversation first emerged not from official Indian sources but from the US side. “It seems that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump spoke to each other today. This information has been provided not by the Indian side but by the US Ambassador to India. This now seems to be the routine - India gets to know of its Govt's actions only from President Trump or his appointees. Trump-nirbharta,” he wrote in a post on X.
 

In another post, made after Trump’s announcement but before the Prime Minister issued his statement, Ramesh referred to Operation Sindoor and recalled Trump’s earlier claim that he had played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan — a claim New Delhi has denied.

“He announced the halt of Op Sindoor from Washington DC. He announced the updates on India's oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington. He's now announced an India-US Trade Deal from Washington, the full details of which are awaited. President Trump clearly seems to have some leverage over Prime Minister Modi - who is now mortified of even being seen with him, let alone engage in the usual bout of hugs. It appears Mr. Modi has capitulated finally. Surely this cannot be the father of all deals. In Washington clearly Mogambo Khush Hai,” Ramesh wrote.

Prime Minister Modi later welcomed the trade announcement, describing Trump as a “dear friend” and expressing satisfaction over the tariff cut. “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” Modi said in a post on X.
 

He added that closer cooperation between the two countries would bring wider benefits. “When two large economies and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” the Prime Minister said.

ANI