India Defends Energy Policy After Trump Claims Modi Promised to Stop Russian Oil Purchases

US President Trump asserted that PM Modi had assured him India would cease purchasing Russian oil

New Delhi:

India has emphasized that its consistent priority remains safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers within a volatile energy landscape. This statement comes in response to US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given him assurance that India would discontinue oil purchases from Russia.

"India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective," stated Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

"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," the statement further noted.

"Regarding the US, 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," it continued.

This statement follows the US President's claim that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would halt Russian oil purchases. "He's assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia. He can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon," Trump stated.

Since the Ukraine conflict began, Western powers, particularly the US, have repeatedly criticized India for purchasing Russian oil. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has clearly articulated India's position, explaining that the country is simply seeking the best deal for its citizens. He has also highlighted Western double standards, suggesting they need to move beyond the mindset that "Europe's problems are the world's problems, but the world's problems are not Europe's problems."

India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil was also cited as one factor behind Trump's tariff measures against New Delhi.

Earlier, Opposition parties criticized the government over Trump's remarks. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, stated "PM Modi is frightened of Trump". "1. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil. 2. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs. 3. Cancelled the Finance Minister's visit to America. 4. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. 5. Doesn't contradict him on Operation Sindoor," Gandhi posted on X.