Introduction
India has strongly denied the claims made by US President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia. Trump had publicly stated that during a recent call, PM Modi "assured me today" that India would cease imports of Russian oil, calling it a significant step to increase economic pressure on Moscow amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no such conversation took place and emphasized India's energy policies prioritize consumer interests and supply security. India remains a major buyer of Russian oil, balancing its national interests amid global diplomatic pressures, while Russia maintains confidence in its independent energy partnership with India. This situation highlights the complexity of geopolitics and energy diplomacy in 2025.
India Denies Trump’s Claim on Modi-Russia Oil Talks
India has firmly denied the claims made by US President Donald Trump that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia. President Trump had publicly stated that during a recent telephonic conversation, PM Modi "assured me today" that India would cease imports of Russian oil, describing it as a "big step" in the global effort to increase economic pressure on Moscow due to its ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump also announced that after India, efforts would be made to get China to follow suit.
However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly refuted these claims, clarifying that no such conversation between the two leaders took place on the day Trump mentioned. The MEA spokesperson stated that they were not aware of any recent phone call or assurance given by PM Modi to stop Russian oil imports. The Indian government maintained that its energy policy primarily focuses on safeguarding consumer interests by ensuring stable prices and secure supplies, while continuing to diversify its energy sources based on market dynamics.
India has become a significant buyer of Russian oil since the conflict in Ukraine escalated, which has helped Russia mitigate losses from sanctions imposed by Western countries. Roughly one-third of India's crude oil imports reportedly come from Russia, making it a vital supplier for India's energy needs amid global volatility. Amid ongoing US diplomatic pressure to reduce or halt Russian oil purchases, India is walking a careful line between strategic economic interests and global geopolitical expectations.
Russia, for its part, voiced confidence in its enduring energy cooperation with India. The Russian Ambassador to India emphasized that the relationship is driven by India's national interests and that Moscow's energy partnership with New Delhi remains strong and independent of external pressures.
The situation underscores the complexity of global energy politics, where India seeks to balance its growth and energy security with strategic partnerships involving multiple global powers. While the US administration, led by President Trump, continues to apply diplomatic pressure to isolate Russia economically, India affirms its sovereign prerogative to take decisions based on national interests and energy security requirements.
This episode also reflects the delicate nature of India-US ties under the current administration, as both sides manage economic, geopolitical, and energy concerns without escalating public discord. Despite Trump's assertive public stance about the conversation, India’s response signals its intention to maintain autonomy in energy procurement and foreign policy while navigating ongoing global tensions.
In conclusion, the Indian government’s official denial of any commitment to halt Russian oil imports following President Trump's claims highlights India's continued focus on energy security and economic pragmatism. India's energy partnership with Russia remains steady even amidst Western calls for increased sanctions, reflecting the complex, multi-dimensional nature of international relations and energy diplomacy in 2025. This pragmatic approach ensures India can secure its energy needs while managing diplomatic relations with both Russia and the United States effectively.