New Delhi, 14 June (H.S.):

Ahead of the proposed meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump on June 17 in France, the Congress party has called on the Central Government to firmly raise issues linked to India's national interests. The party said India should clearly articulate its concerns regarding the deaths of three Indian seafarers in a U.S. military action near the coast of Oman, the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement, and the recent policy positions adopted by the American administration.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said that as Prime Minister Modi prepares to meet President Trump, Indian citizens expect the government to strongly convey India's objections over the deaths of three Indian sailors allegedly resulting from U.S. military action. He also questioned whether the Prime Minister would raise concerns regarding the language used by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his recent conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Ramesh also expressed concerns over India–U.S. trade relations. He noted that U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit India shortly and alleged that the government has moved forward with provisions under a proposed interim trade agreement that could adversely affect Indian farmers and domestic industries.

According to the Congress leader, the government has not reconsidered the terms of the proposed arrangement even after developments relating to the Trump administration’s tariff policies in the United States. He argued that such issues warrant a fresh review to safeguard India's economic interests.

Ramesh further referred to remarks attributed to the U.S. Secretary of State regarding a possible Indian commitment to purchase American goods worth 500 billion dollars over the next five years. He said such statements raise significant questions and underscored the need for India to adopt a more transparent and firm position in protecting its economic and strategic priorities.

Congress MP Manish Tewari also urged the government to forcefully present India's concerns before the United States. He stated that the American approach towards India under the Trump administration has not always appeared fully aligned with Indian interests.

Tewari cited several issues, including the deportation of Indian nationals allegedly residing illegally in the United States, higher tariffs on Indian products, and Washington’s growing engagement with countries accused of supporting terrorism. He said these developments have at times created strains in bilateral relations.

He added that the Prime Minister is expected to clearly communicate India's concerns, dissatisfaction and national priorities to the U.S. administration. According to Tewari, India must not compromise on matters related to its sovereignty, economic interests and the safety of its citizens.

The Congress party maintained that the proposed meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is significant not only for bilateral relations but also for India's broader economic, strategic and diplomatic interests. The party said the country expects a strong and unambiguous message in defence of national interests during the high-level engagement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar