File photo: BJP’s IT-cell head Amit Malviya

NEW DELHI: A political spat broke out over the weekend after Congress, citing a media report, accused Modi government of allowing ally Russia to proceed with supply of advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for its Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. The BJP hit back on Sunday, citing another media report that said Moscow had termed the claim false. On Saturday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had shared on social media a report that alleged Russia had ignored India’s objections and moved ahead with the sale of the RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s upgraded JF-17 Thunder Block-III aircraft. Ramesh claimed the new variant of the fighter would use the same PL-15 missiles “believed to have been used against our country during Operation Sindoor”.Within hours, BJP’s IT-cell head Amit Malviya countered the charge, citing another report that said Russia had dismissed the claim. He posted on social media that Ramesh had relied on a media story “which in turn quoted a little-known website notorious for pushing pro-Pakistan propaganda”.