India’s Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny: Congress Blasts Government Over Russian Military Aid to Pakistan

Jairam Ramesh, a general secretary of the Congress party, has targeted the Indian government over Russia’s military assistance to Pakistan. Ramesh urged the Modi government to clarify its position on the matter. He noted that Russia has been a trusted strategic partner of India. Ramesh stated that Russia has disregarded India’s appeals and commenced the supply of RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s Chinese-built JF-17 Block-III fighter jets. These engines will enhance the aircraft’s strike capabilities, enabling them to be equipped with PL-15 missiles. He stated these missiles were allegedly used by Pakistan against India during Operation Sindoor. The Congress leader highlighted that the JF-17 was among the aircraft taken down by the Indian Air Force in May 2025. Ramesh claimed that despite the direct involvement of Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, the deal proceeded in June 2025. He asked how Russia providing strategic weapons to Pakistan is not a failure of India’s foreign policy when India is still purchasing the S-400 missile system and negotiating for significant defense agreements like the Su-57 stealth fighter. He added that this event exposes another failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal diplomacy, in which image building and global showmanship have been given more importance than national interests. Ramesh also criticized India’s regional diplomacy and global influence, saying that India has attempted to isolate Pakistan internationally for years. However, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has received respect in the US and is now receiving strategic support from Russia. The Congress leader demanded that the Modi government explain why India has failed to retain its allies and its silence on Pakistan’s new military assistance.