Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “surrendering under pressure.” Gandhi also drew a comparison between Modi’s leadership and that of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi personally requested a meeting with him. Trump said, “Prime Minister Modi came to see me and asked, ‘Sir, may I meet you?’ I said, ‘Yes.’”

Trump also referenced India’s imposition of high tariffs and noted that India had significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil.

In a video message shared on the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi captioned it: “Understand the Difference, Sirji.”

In the post, he stated, “I know these BJP-RSS people very well now. Put even a little pressure on them, give them a nudge, and they immediately panic. As soon as Trump signaled, they picked up the phone and said, ‘Modiji, what are you doing?’ Narendra Modi surrendered instantly and said ‘Yes, Sir,’ following Trump’s direction.”

Gandhi drew a historical comparison with the 1971 war, when India, despite U.S. pressure, did not bow. He wrote, “Maybe you remember the time when no calls came. Instead, the Seventh Fleet arrived. Weapons, warships, everything. Indira Gandhi then said, ‘I will do what I must do.’ That is the real difference.”

Trump imposed a total 50% tariff on Indian exports, including a 25% tariff specifically targeting purchases of Russian oil. He also mentioned the delayed delivery of Apache helicopters, saying India had been waiting for these helicopters for five years.

The tariffs imposed in August led to several rounds of trade discussions and at least four conversations between the two leaders, but no final trade agreement has been reached yet.