India Dismisses Trump’s Claim, Says Oil Import Policy Driven by Consumer Interest

India reaffirmed on Wednesday that its energy import decisions are guided solely by national interest and consumer welfare, responding to US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia.

“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,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement.

He emphasized that ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies are the twin pillars of India’s energy policy, which includes “broad-basing energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.”

On India–US energy ties, the statement added, “We have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing.”

Trump had earlier claimed that PM Modi had personally assured him that India would end oil purchases from Russia. “He’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia. 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.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, Western nations—especially the US—have repeatedly criticized India’s continued import of discounted Russian crude. However, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has consistently defended India’s stance, asserting that the country is acting in the best interests of its citizens.

Jaishankar has also accused Western nations of hypocrisy, remarking that the world must move past the mindset that “Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.”

Trump’s remarks have triggered political reactions in India. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused PM Modi of being “frightened of Trump.”
In a post on X, Gandhi wrote:
“1. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil.
2. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs.
3. Cancelled the Finance Minister's visit to America.
4. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh.
5. Doesn’t contradict him on Operation Sindoor.”

The controversy adds another layer to India’s balancing act between global diplomatic pressures and domestic energy needs, as New Delhi continues to defend its right to pursue an independent and pragmatic oil policy.