New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India strongly denied the claim of the U.S. President Donald Trump regarding an assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the president that India would stop buying Russian oil on October 16, 2025. The MEA made it clear that the two leaders did not have any phone talk of whatsoever.
The statement by Trump came as a press briefing where Trump said that PM Modi had vowed to cease purchasing Russian oil, indicating it to be a major move to pressure more to the world on Moscow regarding the conflict in Ukraine. He said he was aware that it would be a long process but he stressed that it was being done.
To this, the MEA pointed out the fact that the energy policy of India is based on protecting the interests of Indian consumers in the unstable energy market. The ministry reaffirmed that the policies of Indian imports are informed by the idea of having stable energy prices and assured supplies as a result of diversified sourcing.
The MEA also pointed out that India has been trying to increase its sources of energy procurement through other sources, including the United States in the last ten years. Talks are underway to intensify energy collaboration with the U.S. yet there are no promises of stopping importation of Russian oil.
The Indian opposition condemned the way the government was dealing with the situation. The Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, blamed PM Modi, who succumbed to the pressure of the U.S. and betrayed the decision-making in the country.
