'Rahul Gandhi Exposed': BJP Attacks Congress After Shashi Tharoor Backs PM Modi Over Trump Meeting

Last Updated:June 20, 2026, 12:41 IST

Speaking about the bilateral meeting between PM  Modi and Trump held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Tharoor said the Prime Minister had conveyed India's concerns.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again given the BJP an opportunity to target Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after he endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the safety of Indian sailors made during the G7 Summit.

Tharoor’s comments came even as the Congress has accused the Prime Minister of remaining “silent" on the deaths of three Indian seafarers killed in a US strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman during his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking about the Modi-Trump bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Tharoor said the Prime Minister had conveyed India’s concerns over the safety of civilian sailors in both public and private discussions with the US President.

“PM Modi made his point clear both in the public and private meetings with the President. It is important to convey the message that in wartime, civilian sailors on commercial ships should not be targets of combat. They are not soldiers, and that is the message PM Modi conveyed," Tharoor said.

Highlighting India’s concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers, he added, “Beyond the general concern, we have Indian sailors on Indian-flagged vessels and others. If they are violating your blockade, find some other way of stopping them, but do not kill people."

Congress on Wednesday had criticised Modi over his interaction with Trump, alleging that he did not publicly raise the issue of the three Indian sailors killed in the Gulf of Oman. The party questioned why the Prime Minister did not seek an apology or expression of regret from Washington over the incident.

The BJP was quick to seize on Tharoor’s remarks, claiming that the Congress leader’s endorsement of Modi’s diplomacy had exposed Rahul Gandhi’s position.

“Shashi Tharoor has exposed Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders are openly praising PM @narendramodi ji’s diplomacy! When it comes to protecting India’s national interest PM Modi comes first. When it comes to speaking against India’s national interest Rahul Gandhi leaves everyone behind," BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held their first bilateral meeting in 16 months on Wednesday on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France.

During the meeting, Modi raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working not only near the Strait of Hormuz but across the Gulf region. Trump, meanwhile, described the Indian leader as a “good-looking guy" and a “tough negotiator."

The Prime Minister noted that “lakhs of Indians are working as seafarers" and stressed that ensuring their safety remains a priority amid the continuing tensions in the Gulf region.

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