Trump Says "Sir, May I See You Please": Congress Finds a New Opening to Attack PM Modi

​The world of international diplomacy is usually filled with carefully scripted speeches and very formal meetings. However, when Donald Trump is involved, the script usually goes out the window. Recently, the US President shared a story that has set off a massive political firestorm back in India. Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi once approached him with great deference, saying, "Sir, may I see you, please?" to discuss a delay in the delivery of Apache attack helicopters.

​While the story was likely meant to show the rapport between the two leaders, it has backfired domestically. The opposition Congress party has pounced on these remarks, using them as fresh ammunition to question the Prime Minister's "personal diplomacy" and his standing on the global stage.

​The Story Behind the "Sir" Remark

​The controversy began when Donald Trump, in his signature storytelling style, talked about a meeting with PM Modi. According to Trump, India had ordered a massive number of helicopters—he claimed 68 Apaches—and the delivery was taking too long. Trump described a scene where the Indian Prime Minister supposedly asked for a private audience in a very humble manner to resolve the issue.

​However, fact-checkers and defense experts were quick to point out that the numbers don't quite add up. India actually ordered a total of 28 Apache helicopters, not 68. Furthermore, most of these had already been delivered by late 2025. While there were indeed some delays in the past, the way Trump framed the interaction has caused a lot of embarrassment for the Indian government.

​Jairam Ramesh Leads the Charge

​Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has been at the forefront of this new attack. He argues that this "Sir" comment is not just a joke but a sign of how the US President views India. Ramesh pointed out that despite the grand events like "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump," and the frequent hugs shared between the two, the actual benefits for India have been minimal.

​Ramesh has criticized what he calls the "blow hot, blow cold" approach of the Trump administration. He noted that in the same week Trump was sharing "friendly" anecdotes, he was also threatening India with massive tariffs if it didn't stop buying oil from Russia. For the Congress, the "Sir" remark is proof that the personal friendship between the two leaders is one-sided and does not result in equal respect for India.

​The Question of National Dignity

​The biggest point of contention for the opposition is the image of the Indian Prime Minister. Congress leaders argue that a Prime Minister represents 1.4 billion people and should never be portrayed as "begging" or acting subserviently to any foreign leader.

​By highlighting Trump's claim that Modi asked, "Sir, may I see you, please?", the Congress is trying to paint a picture of a "weak" foreign policy. They are contrasting this with the BJP’s usual narrative of India being a "Vishwaguru" or a world leader. Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders have suggested that while the Prime Minister is "loud at home," he seems "silent or submissive abroad" when dealing with "bullies" like Trump.

​Trade Wars and Russian Oil

​This latest controversy isn't happening in a vacuum. It comes at a time when India and the US are facing real tensions over trade. Trump has repeatedly complained about India’s high tariffs on American goods and has expressed deep displeasure over India’s continued energy ties with Russia.

​The Congress party is using these trade threats to show that "personal diplomacy" has failed. They argue that if the friendship were real, India wouldn't be facing threats of 50% or even 350% tariffs. They claim that Trump uses these stories about PM Modi to show his own voters how he "dominates" foreign leaders, which in turn makes India look like a junior partner rather than a global power.

​The Government's Response: Silence and Denial

​So far, the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs have been very cautious. They haven't directly addressed the "Sir, may I see you" quote, but they have tried to correct the facts regarding the helicopter deals. Government supporters argue that Trump’s style is always full of hyperbole and that one shouldn't take his words literally.

​They point out that under PM Modi, India-US ties have reached new heights in defense and technology. They see Trump’s anecdotes as a sign of his comfort and "informal friendship" with Modi, rather than an insult. However, as long as the Prime Minister remains silent on the specific phrasing used by Trump, the Congress will continue to use it to keep the government on the defensive.

​The "Killer" and "Nicest Human" Contradiction

​This isn't the first time Trump's words have caused a headache for the BJP. A few months ago, Trump called PM Modi a "total killer" in a podcast interview. While he meant it as a compliment regarding Modi's toughness in protecting India, the word "killer" has a very different meaning in the Indian political context.

​The Congress successfully used that comment to raise questions about the Prime Minister's image. Now, with the "Sir" comment, they have a second opportunity to flip the script. If he is a "killer," why is he asking "Sir, may I see you?" the opposition asks. This creates a confusing image of the Prime Minister that the Congress is very keen to exploit before the next set of state elections.

​Why This Matters for the Average Citizen

​You might wonder why a few words from a US President matter so much to us here in India. It matters because foreign policy affects our economy. If the relationship between our leaders is based on "dominance" rather than "partnership," it could lead to higher prices for imports, less investment, and more pressure on our sovereign decisions, like where we buy our oil.

​The Congress's strategy is to show that the "spectacle" of foreign visits—the stadiums, the lights, and the hugs—is a distraction from the real issues of national interest. They want voters to ask: is India really being respected, or are we just being used as a backdrop for Trump's campaign stories?

​Looking Ahead: The Future of Modi-Trump Ties

​As 2026 progresses, the relationship between these two leaders will continue to be a roller coaster. Trump is unpredictable, and he will likely continue to share stories that he thinks make him look good, regardless of how they affect his "friend" in India.

​For the Congress, this is a "gift that keeps on giving." Every time Trump speaks, he provides a new window for the opposition to attack. The challenge for the BJP will be to move the conversation away from these personal anecdotes and back to the concrete achievements of the bilateral relationship. Until then, the phrase "Sir, may I see you" will likely echo in the halls of the Indian Parliament for a long time.