The Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France for the G7 summit, asserting that he failed to adequately advocate for India’s energy needs, economic priorities, and strategic autonomy. With India being a special invitee to the prestigious event, the party had anticipated that Modi would seize the occasion to enhance India’s standing as a leader in the Global South.

However, the Congress claimed that the summit revealed a significant disparity between the government’s ambitious rhetoric and the actual outcomes. The opposition party pointed to a particular bilateral meeting between Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, where they allege the Prime Minister missed critical opportunities to secure vital concessions for India, especially concerning energy imports.

One of the major points of contention raised by the Congress was the lack of defense for India’s energy sovereignty during discussions with the U.S. leadership. The party expressed disappointment that Modi did not manage to obtain a sanctions waiver that would have permitted India to continue purchasing Russian oil, a crucial aspect of India’s energy security. They termed this oversight a ‘missed opportunity,’ suggesting that the failure to negotiate effectively could lead to continued economic strain for Indian citizens, particularly in terms of rising fuel and consumer prices.

The backdrop to these concerns is the United States’ imposition of a hefty 25% levy on India last August due to its ongoing purchase of Russian oil. Although this punitive measure was lifted following the finalization of a bilateral trade deal in February, the Congress argues that the recent talks did not yield the expected benefits for India’s energy requirements amid the ongoing geopolitical turmoil in West Asia.

Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia on February 28, 2023, the repercussions have been felt globally, with the Strait of Hormuz—an essential maritime route for oil—becoming increasingly critical. The Congress party highlighted that this situation necessitates proactive measures from the Indian government to safeguard national interests. They emphasized that the current trajectory could leave Indian consumers vulnerable to the impacts of fluctuating global oil prices, which could further exacerbate inflationary pressures within the country.

As discussions continue regarding India’s role on the global stage, the Congress party is urging the government to adopt a more assertive stance that prioritizes the nation’s energy autonomy and economic stability. With rising prices affecting daily life, there is a palpable need for the government to take decisive actions that align with the aspirations of the Indian populace.