When U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia, the statement quickly drew global attention. But within hours, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a carefully worded clarification—reaffirming that India-Russia oil trade continues to be guided by consumer interests and energy security, not by political pressure.
Donald Trump said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would no longer buy oil from Russia, calling it a “big stop” in the ongoing effort to curb Moscow’s war funding. However, within hours, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a carefully worded response, emphasizing that India’s energy policy is driven by consumer interest, market conditions, and energy security — not external pressure.
Trump’s Claim at the Press Conference
During a recent press briefing, Trump said he was “not happy” that India had been purchasing Russian oil amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. He added that Prime Minister Modi had “assured” him that India would cease oil imports from Russia, calling it “a big stop.”
Trump further claimed that Russia has lost 1.5 million soldiers in the conflict and expressed a desire to end the war, saying he would next persuade China to follow suit by cutting Russian oil purchases.
MEA’s Response: ‘Guided by Consumer Interest’
In a statement issued from New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s long-standing and pragmatic approach to energy sourcing:
“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.”
He added that ensuring stable energy prices and securing reliable supplies have been the twin goals of India’s energy policy. This approach, the MEA said, includes diversifying import sources and maintaining flexibility in line with market conditions.
India-Russia Oil Trade in Context
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, India has significantly increased its oil imports from Russia, taking advantage of discounted crude prices. Despite Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure, India has maintained that its energy purchases from Russia are legitimate, and crucial for meeting domestic demand at affordable prices.
The MEA’s latest statement reinforces that stance, signaling that India-Russia oil trade decisions will continue to be made on economic rather than political grounds.
While the United States has often urged India to diversify away from Russian oil, Indian officials have pointed out that U.S. energy exports to India have also expanded steadily in the past decade, reflecting a broad-based energy relationship.
The Balancing Act
India finds itself navigating a delicate balance — maintaining strategic ties with both Washington and Moscow while ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens.
With oil prices volatile and global supply chains still adjusting post-pandemic, India’s policy remains anchored in pragmatism over politics.
Conclusion
Trump’s statement may have stirred headlines, but the MEA’s calm and consistent response reflects India’s confidence in its independent foreign and energy policy. The message is clear:
India-Russia oil trade will continue to be shaped by India’s national interest, not external narratives.
Sources: The White House, Ministry of External Affairs
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