Russia’s JF-17 engine supply to Pakistan exposes Modi’s failed diplomacy: Congress
Ramesh says world leaders courting Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir
New Delhi: The Congress party has criticised the Narendra Modi-led Indian government over Russia’s reported decision to supply advanced RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s fleet of JF-17 fighter jets, calling it a major diplomatic setback and a failure of the Prime Minister’s “personalised diplomacy”.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh, in a post on social media platform X, said that Russia — once India’s most trusted strategic ally — has ignored New Delhi’s concerns and decided to proceed with the supply of upgraded engines to Islamabad. He termed the development a direct outcome of Modi’s “hug diplomacy” and obsession with global image-building over genuine national interest.
“The government must explain why a long-time and reliable partner like Russia is now providing advanced military equipment to Pakistan,” Ramesh said. “This deal, which includes the upgraded RD-93MA engines for the JF-17 Block III jets, is reportedly moving forward despite the direct intervention of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier this year.”
The Congress leader said the upgraded JF-17 variant will also be equipped with PL-15 long-range missiles — the same type allegedly used during Operation Sindoor— and could pose new strategic challenges for the Indian Air Force. “Even the IAF chief has acknowledged that the JF-17 may have been among the aircraft used against India,” he added.
Ramesh further stated that despite New Delhi’s continued arms purchases from Moscow, including the S-400 air defence system and negotiations for Su-57 stealth fighters, Russia’s move to arm Pakistan reflects India’s shrinking diplomatic influence under Modi. He accused the BJP government of reducing foreign policy to “photo opportunities, stage-managed summits, and empty spectacle,” which he said have failed to yield substantive strategic gains. “India remains unable to diplomatically isolate Pakistan,” he said, noting that Islamabad continues to enjoy support from major powers.
Ramesh alleged that Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir is being courted by world leaders while Russia supplies arms and China offers full diplomatic backing. “This shows the complete collapse of Modi’s so-called strong diplomacy,” he concluded.
