The Indian government has publicly responded to recent claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding India's supposed commitment to cease importing Russian oil, following his assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him of this. The Indian officials have clarified that there was no phone call or direct conversation where such a commitment was made, emphasizing that India's energy policies are primarily driven by safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers amid a volatile global energy market.
India's Official Stance
India has reiterated that its energy sourcing strategies are guided by the twin objectives of ensuring stable energy prices and securing supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that discussions concerning energy cooperation with the United States are ongoing but did not confirm any recent agreement or commitment to stop buying Russian oil. The government underscored that its policies remain flexible and are based on market conditions and national interests rather than geopolitical pressures.
Trump's Claims and the Indian Response
Trump claimed that Modi had assured him India would stop Russian oil imports "within a short period," framing this as a significant step in US efforts to pressure Russia over its Ukraine invasion. However, India’s official statements, including those from the External Affairs Ministry, dismiss these claims and highlight that India continues to diversify its energy sources, including Russian oil, guided by economic and consumer interests rather than geopolitical directives.
Political and Diplomatic Context
This exchange occurs amid heightened tensions between the US and India over energy policies, especially related to Russian oil. The US has been eager to cut its allies’ support for Russia, imposing tariffs and diplomatic pressure, while India has sought to balance its energy needs against international pressure. Russia has openly supported India's energy independence, emphasizing that its cooperation aligns with India’s national interests.
Public and Political Reactions
Indian opposition leaders criticized the government for allegedly allowing Trump to influence its energy policies. Meanwhile, Russia publicly supported India's continued cooperation with Moscow, asserting that India’s energy decisions are guided by its national interests. The Indian government continues to maintain that it is committed to maintaining stable energy supplies and that its policies are autonomous and based on national priorities.
In conclusion, despite Trump’s claims of India’s commitment to stop Russian oil imports, the Indian government has officially denied any such agreement, reaffirming its stance of prioritizing consumer interests and strategic energy diversification amid ongoing international pressures and complex geopolitical developments.