On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Congress party issued a strong statement demanding transparency from the government regarding Russia’s military support to Pakistan. The party highlighted the supply of engines for Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets to Pakistan by Russia, India’s “once most reliable strategic ally,” as a clear failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personalized brand of diplomacy.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary (Communications), asserted that Modi’s diplomatic approach prioritizes superficial image-building and global spectacle over the tangible national interests of India. He pressed the government for an explanation as to why Russia has chosen to disregard New Delhi’s concerns and proceed with providing advanced RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jet fleet.
Ramesh pointed out that the latest Block III variant of this aircraft is set to feature the upgraded engines and PL-15 missiles, which are believed to have been used against India during Operation Sindoor. The IAF Chief had also previously indicated that JF-17s might have been among the Pakistani fighters deployed in confrontations with India.
According to various news reports, this critical defense deal is advancing despite direct interventions by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, in June. Ramesh argued that the government is obligated to explain why a long-standing and trusted partner like Russia is now extending military assistance to Pakistan, especially when India continues to purchase S-400 missile systems and negotiate for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow.
The Congress leader concluded that this development unequivocally highlights another failure in Prime Minister Modi’s distinctive diplomatic style, which he believes prioritizes grand gestures over substantial foreign policy outcomes. He criticized that years of high-profile summits, meticulously choreographed photo opportunities involving embraces, and assertive posturing on the international stage have not yielded concrete results. Instead, Ramesh alleged that India has been unable to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. He further claimed that Pakistan’s leadership, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir (whose controversial statements reportedly preceded the Pahalgam terror attack), is being warmly received by President Donald Trump and supplied weaponry by President Vladimir Putin, all while receiving unwavering support from China during Operation Sindoor.