In the wake of recent assertions by US President Donald Trump that India would stop buying Russian oil, New Delhi issued a statement on Thursday strongly reaffirming that its decision on energy imports is solely driven by the need to protect the Indian consumer’s interest in today’s turbulent international market.
Trump’s Claim Of Modi’s ‘Assurance’
The explanation came after comments from US President Donald Trump on Wednesday at the White House. Trump asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop buying Russian crude.
“I was not pleased that India was purchasing oil. And he (Modi) promised me today that they will not be purchasing oil from Russia. That’s a major halt,” Trump was reported to have said, saying the shift would happen “shortly in time.”
Our response to media queries on comments on India’s energy sourcing
https://t.co/BTFl2HQUab pic.twitter.com/r76rjJuC7A
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 16, 2025
The US President also indicated that he would urge China to implement a similar policy.
India Priorises ‘Indian Consumer’
Directly responding, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed the government’s clear stand on energy imports.
“India is a major importer of gas and oil. It has been our consistent policy priority to protect the interests of the Indian consumer in an uncertain energy environment. Our policies for imports are driven solely by this goal,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA spokesperson enumerated India’s twin objectives of the country’s energy policy:
Providing stable energy prices and secured supplies.
Widening energy sources and diversification as and when necessary to suit market situations.
Broadening Ties With Washington
Jaiswal also spoke of energy cooperation with the United States, affirming that talks are underway to deepen the collaboration further.
“Where the US is concerned, we have for several decades pursued widening our energy procurement. This has steadily made progress over the last decade,” he stated.
The announcement concluded by stating that the US Administration is eager to enhance energy cooperation with India, assuring that “Discussions are ongoing.”