File photo: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday said 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. “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,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. “According to multiple news reports, this deal is moving forward despite direct interventions by EAM S 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”, he added.