New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) Congress today questioned the Modi government following reports that Russia has agreed to supply advanced RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets despite India’s objections and long-standing strategic ties between New Delhi and Moscow.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also questioned the Centre’s diplomatic handling of the issue, demanding an explanation for why a “trusted and reliable ally” like Russia has chosen to ignore India’s appeals.
“The Modi government must explain why Russia – once India’s most reliable strategic ally – has chosen to ignore New Delhi’s appeals and proceed with supplying advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets,” Jairam Ramesh said on X.
He said, “The latest Block III variant of this aircraft will feature the upgraded engine and the same PL-15 missiles believed to have been used against our country during Operation Sindoor. The IAF Chief has also stated that the JF-17 may be among the Pakistani fighters that were used against us”.
Ramesh claimed that this defence deal is reportedly advancing despite direct diplomatic interventions by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in June 2025.
“According to multiple news reports, this deal is moving forward despite direct interventions by External Affairs Minister Sf Jaishankar in June 2025. The government owes the nation an explanation as to why a long-time and trusted partner like Russia is now providing military support to Pakistan, even as India continues to purchase S-400 missile systems and negotiates for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow,” the former union Minister said.
The Rajya Sabha MP criticised Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic approach, alleging that it focuses on image-building and global spectacle, and has failed to secure substantive strategic benefits for India.
Jairam said, “This development underscores yet another failure of Prime Minister Modi’s personalised brand of diplomacy, which prioritises image-building and global spectacle over national interests. Years of high-profile summits, choreographed photo opportunities with hugs, and grandstanding on the world stage have failed to yield substantive outcomes”.
He also accused Modi of failing to isolate Pakistan diplomatically while its leadership received a warm reception by US President Donald Trump.
“India remains unable to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. Instead, Pakistan’s leadership – including its Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose communally poisonous statements provided the immediate backdrop to the Pahalgam terror attack – is being courted very warmly by President Donald Trump and supplied weapons by President Vladimir Putin, all while enjoying unqualified backing from China during Operation Sindoor,” he added.
