Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced strong disapproval of US President Donald Trump’s public statements concerning India’s imports of Russian crude oil. Responding to news agency ANI, Tharoor asserted that India dictates its own foreign policy decisions and does not speak for Washington. He urged Trump to adopt a similar approach of restraint, stating, “I don’t really think it’s appropriate for Trump to be making announcements about India’s decisions. I think India will make announcements about its decisions. We don’t tell the world what Trump will do. I think Trump should not be telling the world what India will do.”
Tharoor’s remarks came in the wake of President Trump’s claim that India would significantly reduce its Russian oil imports by year-end, a statement he attributed to assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump described this reduction as a gradual process, predicting that India’s imports would “be down to almost nothing” by the close of the year, highlighting it as a substantial shift, given that India’s Russian oil imports constitute nearly 40% of its total oil needs.
However, India has officially denied any such agreement with the US. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson has stated they are not aware of any such conversation between the leaders. India maintains that its energy policy is primarily focused on ensuring stable prices and secure supplies for its consumers.
This is not the first instance of President Trump making such claims about Indian policy. Previously, after the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods, Trump had also stated that Prime Minister Modi had assured him that New Delhi would cease importing oil from Moscow. Similarly, Trump has taken credit for India’s decision to implement a ceasefire with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.