New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted claims made by former US President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would cease purchasing Russian oil. The MEA stated that they were "unaware of any conversation" between the two leaders on the matter.
Trump's statement, made on Wednesday at the White House, alleged that Modi had given him assurances that India would halt its oil imports from Russia. He presented this as a "big stop" and suggested he would pursue a similar commitment from China. Trump also mentioned raising concerns with PM Modi regarding India's continued imports of Russian crude, which Washington views as indirectly funding President Vladimir Putin's actions.
In response to Trump's assertions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, clarifying that there had been no phone call or conversation between PM Modi and President Trump on Wednesday. The MEA has also issued a statement emphasizing that India's energy import policies are guided by the interests of Indian consumers within a volatile global energy market.
"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 the MEA spokesperson. Jaiswal outlined that India's energy policy aims to ensure stable energy prices and secure supplies through diversified sourcing that aligns with prevailing market conditions.
The MEA's response comes amid existing discussions between India and the US to deepen energy cooperation. Jaiswal noted that the US has expressed interest in expanding energy cooperation with India, and discussions are ongoing. India has been looking to broaden its energy procurement for years, with steady progress in the last decade. India has already imported a significant amount of energy from the US this year, with expectations of further increases.
The US has been actively trying to persuade India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil, particularly since Russia became a major supplier following Western sanctions. Washington's argument is that reducing these imports would weaken Moscow's financial position and increase pressure to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
India, however, has maintained that its priority is to secure affordable energy for its population. The country's import policies are designed to ensure stable prices and secure supplies, and it will continue to diversify its sources to meet market conditions.
Trump's initial claim followed a period of strained trade relations between the US and India. The US had previously imposed tariffs on certain Indian goods, citing concerns over India's trade practices.
