Highlights:
- Shashi Tharoor criticised Donald Trump for speaking on India’s behalf.
- Trump claimed India would cut Russian oil imports to “almost nothing” by year-end.
- India denied any such agreement, citing its independent energy policy.
- The remarks follow Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
- Trump also said he would urge China to reduce Russian oil purchases.
Indian opposition politician and member of parliament Shashi Tharoor on Thursday (23) criticized president Donald Trump for claiming that India would reduce its Russian oil imports by the end of the year, saying it was inappropriate for the American leader to make announcements on India's behalf.
Speaking to Indian media, Tharoor said, “I don’t really think it’s appropriate for Trump to be making announcements about India’s decisions. I think India will make announcements about its decisions. We don’t tell the world what Trump will do. I think Trump should not be telling the world what India will do.”
His comments came a day after president Trump claimed that India would bring its Russian oil imports 'down to almost nothing' by the end of 2025, citing what he said was an assurance from Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
“India, as you know, told me that they would stop. It is a process; you can’t just stop it. But by the end of the year, they will be down to almost nothing. That’s a big thing, that is almost 40 per cent of the oil. India has been great. Spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday and they have been absolutely great,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House while hosting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
However, Indian officials have denied any such commitment, maintaining that the country's energy policy is determined solely by national interests, focused on ensuring affordability, security, and stability of supplies.
Trump’s remarks come shortly after his administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and urged New Delhi to diversify its energy sources. The US President has repeatedly claimed over the past few days that India has agreed to “stop” buying oil from Russia, despite no confirmation from the Indian side.
Tharoor’s criticism reflects growing discomfort in New Delhi over Trump’s repeated public statements linking India’s foreign policy decisions to his administration’s negotiations and sanctions against Moscow.
