Hours after US President Donald Trump asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to halt India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, New Delhi issued a firm clarification—India’s oil import strategy will continue to be guided by market realities and the nation’s energy security needs.
Responding to media queries on Trump’s remarks, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s energy decisions are driven solely by domestic interests.
“Our consistent priority has been to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile global energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective,” Jaiswal stated.
He further underscored that India’s approach remains focused on ensuring stability and security in energy supplies.
“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,” he added.
The diplomatic tension stems from India’s continued oil trade with Russia despite Western sanctions, a move that has often strained New Delhi’s relations with Washington.
In Washington, Trump told reporters that Modi had “assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia.” He conceded, however, that the reduction might not happen immediately.
“It has started. He can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon,” Trump said.
As the remarks ripple across international corridors, India’s clarification highlights its resolve to maintain strategic autonomy in energy decisions—balancing diplomatic pressures with economic pragmatism.
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