India firmly rejected president Donald Trump’s claim that Indian prime minister Narendra Modi had assured him they would stop buying oil from Russia, reiterating that its energy policy is guided solely by national interests and consumer welfare.
In a statement released by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (15), official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s priority remains “to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.” He added, “Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.”
Jaiswal emphasized that India’s oil and gas import decisions are based on practical considerations of affordability and access, not geopolitical alignments. “Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing,” he said.
Trump, during a recent media interaction, had claimed that prime minister Modi “assured” him India would soon end oil purchases from Russia, though he acknowledged that the process could not happen “immediately.” His remarks reignited Western criticism of India’s continued energy ties with Moscow since the Ukraine war began.
Since 2022, India has significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil, positioning itself as one of Russia’s largest buyers amid Western sanctions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly defended this policy, stating that India’s responsibility is to secure the best energy deals for its citizens. He also criticized Western double standards, remarking that “Europe’s problems are not the world’s problems.”
India’s oil imports from Russia have been a recurring flashpoint in its relations with Washington, even prompting Trump’s recent tariff hikes against Indian goods. The US has long urged allies to reduce economic engagement with Moscow, but New Delhi has maintained that its decisions are rooted in energy security and not ideology.
Meanwhile, domestic political reactions followed swiftly. Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of “appeasing Trump,” citing the claim as evidence of India’s submissive stance. “PM Modi is frightened of Trump,” Gandhi posted on X, listing instances where the Prime Minister “failed to respond to US pressure.”
As Washington and New Delhi continue dialogue on energy cooperation, India’s message remains clear, it will chart its own course in securing affordable and stable energy supplies.
