New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy over India’s energy ties with Russia, claiming for the third time in five days that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him India will stop purchasing oil from Russia. The claim has been firmly denied by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which said no such conversation between the two leaders has taken place.
“Modi Said No to Russian Oil”: Trump
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing.” The Republican leader appeared confident in his statement, reiterating that India would soon halt oil imports from Russia.
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This statement comes amidst heightened diplomatic sensitivity around global energy trade, especially as the United States continues to impose sanctions on Russia due to its ongoing war with Ukraine.
India Denies Any Such Assurance – Or Call
India has pushed back strongly against Trump’s remarks. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement clarifying that India’s energy policy remains guided solely by the objective of safeguarding Indian consumers.
“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,” the MEA said in a press briefing.
When asked directly whether Prime Minister Modi had recently spoken with President Trump, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded, “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders.”
Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs Over Oil Trade
In response to India’s denial, Trump hinted at consequences. “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that,” he said, according to Reuters.
India is already facing hefty trade restrictions under Trump’s administration, with 50% tariffs on Indian imports. A significant portion of these penalties, including a 25% hike implemented in August, were reportedly aimed at pressuring India to reduce its oil trade with Russia.
Trump Repeats Claim at Bilateral Meeting with Zelensky
President Trump again reiterated his claim during a lunch meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “India is not going to be buying Russian oil anymore,” he said.
Earlier in the week, he told reporters, “I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step.” Trump suggested that the move would take place “within a short period of time”, calling it “a little bit of a process”.
Trade Talks Underway Amid Tensions
The back-and-forth has emerged as trade talks between India and the US are ongoing. New Delhi has been negotiating for reduced tariffs and restoration of trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which the Trump administration revoked in 2019.
India will stop purchasing the Russian Oil; Trump claims PM Modi vowed to end Russian Oil Imports
While Trump’s administration has accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict, India has maintained that its decisions are based on economic needs and national interest.
Outlook: A Diplomatic Rift Brewing?
With conflicting statements from both nations, the credibility of Trump’s remarks is under scrutiny. India’s firm denial raises questions about the veracity of the alleged Modi-Trump communication. As global attention focuses on energy geopolitics, the issue could strain already sensitive trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations.