The political landscape was set ablaze Thursday morning with a significant claim from US President Donald Trump regarding India’s energy trade with Russia. As trade relations between Washington and New Delhi continued to navigate complexities, Trump asserted, “Modi assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia.” This statement emerged shortly after weeks of trade discussions, prompted by the US imposing substantial tariffs on Indian imports, a move that specifically targeted India’s oil purchases from Russia.
Trump’s Bold Assertion on Russian Oil
During a press conference at the White House, President Trump stated he had reliable information that India would cease its energy imports from Russia, at least until the conflict in Ukraine concludes. He referred to PM Narendra Modi as a “great friend” and mentioned, “I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step.” Trump also expressed a desire for China to take similar action, highlighting India’s position as the second-largest buyer of Russian energy after China.
Jokes and Political Jabs
Adding a personal touch, Trump recounted a conversation with the US ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, who had recently visited New Delhi. Trump lightheartedly remarked, “He loves Trump… I don’t want you to take the word love any differently… I don’t want to destroy his political career,” eliciting laughter. Gor had met PM Modi and presented him with a signed photograph from Trump.
Indian Opposition Reacts
Back in India, the opposition voiced strong criticism. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, took to social media, suggesting PM Modi was “frightened of Trump” due to the lack of a clear Indian response to the US President’s claims. He also pointed to previous instances of perceived slights, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi called for the debunking of Trump’s assertions, stating that “silence is betrayal.”
India’s Official Response
Hours after Trump’s remarks generated widespread speculation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized, “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 also directly denied Trump’s claim of a phone call between the leaders regarding Russian oil purchases, with Jaiswal stating, “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders.” Regarding US trade, Jaiswal noted India’s long-standing desire to increase energy procurement from the US.
Russia’s Perspective
Russia, through its Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, commented that New Delhi’s oil imports from Moscow are “beneficial” for the Indian economy. Alipov affirmed that both India and the US are independent in their decisions and that Russia does not interfere in such matters.