Shashi Tharoor Rebukes Trump for Announcing India's Russian Oil Import Decisions

Shashi Tharoor has firmly criticized US President Donald Trump for making announcements regarding India's potential reduction of Russian oil imports.

The Congress MP expressed his disapproval when speaking to ANI, stating that it was inappropriate for the US President to make declarations about India's policy decisions.

"India will make announcements about its own decisions. We don't tell the world what Trump will do, and similarly, Trump should not be telling the world what India will do," Tharoor emphasized.

This response follows President Trump's claim on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would significantly reduce Russian oil imports by the end of the year.

During an interaction with press at the White House while hosting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump stated, "India told me they would stop. It's a process; you can't just stop it immediately. But by the end of the year, they will be down to almost nothing."

Trump further added, "That's a big thing, that is almost 40 per cent of the oil. India has been great. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday and they have been absolutely great."

However, India has denied reaching any such agreement, emphasizing that its primary concern remains safeguarding consumer interests. The Indian government maintains that its energy policy focuses on ensuring stable prices and secure supply chains.

This diplomatic tension emerges against the backdrop of Trump imposing 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, while simultaneously urging New Delhi to diversify its energy sources.