Hours after United States President Donald Trump asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that New Delhi would soon halt the purchase of oil from Russia, the Indian government issued a carefully worded statement reiterating its independent energy policy. The clarification underscored India’s commitment to protecting its national interests and consumers amid global price volatility, without directly confirming or denying Trump’s remarks.
In a statement released through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India said that its energy policy “includes broad-basing energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.” The government emphasized that such decisions are driven by long-term considerations of economic stability and consumer protection rather than external pressure. The statement added, “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.”
The MEA further clarified that the country’s import policies “are guided entirely by this objective.” This response came after Trump told reporters that Modi had assured him there would be no further purchases of Russian oil. Trump stated, “He’s assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia,” but admitted that the change could not happen overnight. “You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” he said, without elaborating on the timeline or specific commitments made by New Delhi.
India’s reaction reflects its cautious approach to maintaining a balanced diplomatic and economic stance. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India relies heavily on imported crude oil to meet its energy needs, sourcing supplies from multiple regions, including Russia, the Middle East, and the United States. The government’s focus has consistently been on securing affordable and reliable energy to sustain growth and shield domestic consumers from international market shocks.
While Washington has repeatedly urged countries to curtail energy trade with Moscow in light of geopolitical tensions, India has maintained that its procurement decisions are based solely on national interest and market dynamics. Officials in New Delhi have often highlighted that India’s purchases of Russian oil are part of a broader effort to ensure energy security and affordability, particularly at a time when global prices remain unpredictable.
Trump’s latest comments come months after his administration imposed higher tariffs on certain Indian goods following disputes over trade and energy sourcing. Despite these challenges, India and the United States continue to engage on strategic and economic fronts, with energy cooperation remaining a central aspect of bilateral discussions. Analysts note that India’s careful diplomatic response aims to preserve this partnership while maintaining autonomy in energy decision-making.
New Delhi’s reiteration of its “consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer” underscores a broader message—that India will continue to pursue a diversified and pragmatic energy policy, balancing global relationships with domestic needs. The government’s focus remains on ensuring stable energy access for its citizens while navigating the complexities of international expectations and market realities.
As global attention turns to the evolving geopolitical and energy landscape, India’s statement reinforces its position as an independent player that values both strategic partnerships and sovereign decision-making in economic policy.
