Jairam Ramesh (left), Vladimir Putin and PM Modi (file – agencies)
NEW DELHI: The Congress party on Friday questioned the Modi government’s foreign policy approach after reports emerged that Russia is going ahead with supplying advanced RD-93MA jet engines for Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter aircraft, despite India’s diplomatic objections.In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “personalised diplomacy” and asked why a traditional strategic partner like Russia was now “providing military support” to Pakistan, even as India continues to engage in high-value defence deals with Moscow.”The Modi government must explain why Russia – once India’s most reliable strategic ally – has chosen to ignore New Delhi’s appeals and proceed with supplying advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets,” Ramesh wrote, referencing reports that the latest JF-17 Block III variant would be equipped with upgraded engines and PL-15 missiles. These are the same missiles believed to have been used during Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attack. He also cited the recent statement of the Indian air force chief, who indicated that the JF-17 may have been among the Pakistani aircraft used during the conflict.Ramesh taking an aim at PM Modi said the development highlights the limitations of high-visibility diplomacy. “Years of high-profile summits, choreographed photo opportunities with hugs, and grandstanding on the world stage have failed to yield substantive outcomes,” he said. He added that despite external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s direct intervention in June 2025, the Russian-Pakistani defence deal is reportedly moving forward. India, meanwhile, remains engaged with Russia on major defence purchases, including the S-400 missile systems and potential acquisition of Su-57 stealth fighters.Taking a broader swipe at the government’s strategic posture, Ramesh said India has failed to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. He pointed to Pakistan’s army chief, field marshal Asim Munir, who made provocative statements ahead of the Pahalgam attack, continues to receive backing from China and is now being “courted” by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.“India remains unable to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. Instead, Pakistan’s leadership – including its army chief field marshal Asim Munir, whose communally poisonous statements provided the immediate backdrop to the Pahalgam terror attack – is being courted very warmly by President Donald Trump and supplied weapons by President Vladimir Putin, all while enjoying unqualified backing from China during Operation Sindoor,” Ramesh wrote. The Congress has demanded that the Modi government provide a clear explanation of the implications of the Russia-Pakistan deal, and whether it signals a shift in Moscow’s strategic posture in the region.
