India has officially responded to remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to cease Russian oil purchases. A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified on Thursday that the nation’s energy procurement decisions are fundamentally driven by its national interests and the imperative to shield Indian consumers from volatile global energy markets. The official emphasized that India, a major importer of oil and gas, consistently prioritizes securing stable energy prices and reliable supplies for its citizens. This strategy inherently involves diversifying energy sources to adapt to prevailing market conditions. The spokesperson also noted that India has actively worked to broaden its energy ties with the US over the past decade, with ongoing discussions aimed at deepening this cooperation. These statements come after Trump’s public assertion that PM Modi assured him of halting Russian oil imports, which Trump characterized as a significant step toward increasing international pressure on Moscow. Trump’s commentary, made during an event highlighting his administration’s policies, suggested a positive personal relationship with PM Modi and a shared desire for de-escalation. He voiced his previous dissatisfaction with India’s Russian oil imports, arguing it inadvertently supported Russia’s ongoing military actions and highlighted the human cost involved. India has historically maintained that its oil imports from Russia are crucial for its economic stability, even while the US has encouraged diversification. The political opposition in India has seized upon Trump’s remarks to criticize the current government, implying a subservient stance towards former US leadership.
