MEA Reacts To Trump's Remark On 'India To Stop Buying Russia Oil', Says Indian Consumers' Interest Is Priority

India on Thursday defended its decision to continue importing Russian crude oil, following claims by US President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him the country would soon stop buying oil from Russia.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's energy import policies are guided by national interest, aimed at protecting domestic consumers amid a volatile global energy market.

"Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy," Jaiswal said.
"This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions."

He emphasised that as one of the world's largest importers of oil and gas, India must make decisions that safeguard its economic and energy security.

Ongoing Energy Cooperation with the US

Jaiswal also noted that India and the United States have been exploring ways to expand energy cooperation, with discussions on increasing procurement from American suppliers underway.

"Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade," he added.

Trump's Statement

Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, said Modi had assured him that India would soon stop purchasing Russian oil. He called it "a big step" toward ending the Ukraine war and urged China to follow suit.

"I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia," Trump said.

India Maintains Its Position

India and China remain the two largest importers of Russian oil, a stance that has drawn criticism from Western governments. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy strategy is based on national interest, balancing affordable and secure supply against global market conditions.

"India's decisions on energy imports are guided by what is best for its citizens and economy, not by external pressure," Jaiswal said.

The government's clarification underscores that India will continue to follow a pragmatic energy policy, even as international discussions and diplomacy around Russian oil persist.