India clarified its stance on US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would halt purchases of Russian oil. Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that India’s energy strategy is firmly rooted in national priorities and the realities of the global market.
“India is a major importer of oil and gas, and protecting consumer interests remains our consistent goal in a fluctuating energy landscape. Our import strategies are entirely guided by this objective,” Jaiswal stated. He highlighted that stable energy pricing and secure supplies are the cornerstones of India’s energy policy. To achieve these, India continues to diversify its energy sources and adapt its procurement to current market conditions.
Addressing India’s relationship with the United States, Jaiswal noted that the country has steadily expanded its energy imports from the US over the past decade. “The current administration has expressed interest in strengthening energy cooperation, and discussions are actively ongoing,” he added.
Earlier, President Trump, speaking at a White House event on Wednesday, claimed that PM Modi had personally assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia. “He assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia. It’s a process, not immediate, but it will be completed soon,” Trump remarked. He also highlighted his personal friendship with Modi, praising the Indian Prime Minister’s long tenure in office amid a history of frequent leadership changes in the country.
Trump criticised India’s previous purchases of Russian oil, describing the Ukraine-Russia conflict as “unnecessary” and expressing his displeasure over India’s energy decisions. These comments arrive several months after the Trump administration imposed punitive tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods due to continued purchases of Russian military and energy supplies amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
India has consistently emphasized that its energy decisions will be dictated by domestic priorities and global market dynamics rather than external pressures. By maintaining a balanced approach to energy procurement, India seeks to safeguard its economy and ensure a steady, affordable supply of oil and gas for its population.
