New Delhi, India | April 25, 2026
A fresh political controversy has erupted in India after senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over remarks made by its senior leader Ram Madhav during a recent visit to the United States.
The comments came after a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., where Madhav participated in a dialogue on India-US relations.
🗣️ Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Criticism
Taking to the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi launched a strong attack on the RSS, accusing it of projecting “fake nationalism” domestically while displaying a different stance abroad.
In his post, Gandhi used pointed language to describe the organization, suggesting that the remarks made by Ram Madhav reflected what he called the RSS’s “true nature.”
The statement quickly gained traction online, intensifying the ongoing political debate between the ruling establishment and the opposition.
🇺🇸 Ram Madhav’s Remarks Trigger Controversy
The controversy stems from comments made by Ram Madhav during a panel discussion at the Hudson Institute event titled “New Pathways for US-India Relations.”
During the discussion, which included US officials such as Kurt Campbell and Elizabeth Threlkeld, Madhav made statements regarding India’s energy and trade policies.
He suggested that:
- India had agreed to stop purchasing oil from Iran
- India had also agreed to halt oil imports from Russia despite domestic criticism
- India accepted higher tariffs without significant pushback
These remarks quickly sparked criticism and raised questions about their accuracy.
🔄 Clarification Issued by Ram Madhav
Following the backlash, Ram Madhav issued a public clarification, acknowledging that parts of his statement were factually incorrect.
He stated:
- India has not agreed to stop importing oil from Russia
- The country has strongly opposed high tariff measures
- His comments were intended as a limited counterpoint in the discussion but were inaccurately framed
Madhav also issued an apology, noting the need for factual accuracy in such international forums.
⛽ India’s Energy Policy in Focus
The episode has also brought renewed attention to India’s energy strategy.
According to available data:
- India has significantly increased crude oil imports from Russia since 2022
- Russian oil imports rose from about 0.2% to nearly 20% of total imports within a short period
- Around 40% of India’s crude oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor
India continues to balance its energy needs with geopolitical considerations, maintaining relationships with multiple global suppliers.
