New Delhi: Hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him not to buy Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement. The MEA said it is the government's priority to "safeguard the interests" of Indians.
"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 said in a statement.
"Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions," the statement added.
Talking about the US, the MEA said that the Trump administration has shown interest in strengthening energy corporation with New Delhi. "Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current Administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing," the MEA stated.
Here What Trump Had Said:
On Wednesday evening (local time), Trump stated that PM Modi assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, describing it as "a big step" in efforts to increase global pressure on Moscow.
Trump's remarks came during a joint news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel at the Oval Office, where the two highlighted the administration's efforts to curb violent crime.
While responding to ANI's question on whether he viewed India as a reliable partner, Trump said, "Yeah, sure. He's (PM Narendra Modi) a friend of mine. We have a great relationship...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 stop. Now we've got to get China to do the same thing..."
Russia's Response:
Responding to Trump's claim, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said India's decisions on energy imports are guided by its "national interests". ".Whatever is taking place is a bilateral matter between India and the U.S. We proceed from the understanding that the policy of the Indian government primarily reflects the interests of the Indian people and the national economy and these objectives do not contradict India-Russia relations," Alipov told reporters.
Opposition's Reaction:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at PM Modi over the US President's claim. Gandhi said that the Prime Minister is "frightened" of Trump. The Congress MP stated that PM Modi allowed the American leader to "decide and announce" that India will not buy Russian oil and "keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs".
"PM Modi is frightened of Trump. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs. Cancelled the Finance Minister's visit to America. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. Doesn't contradict him on Operation Sindoor," Gandhi said on X.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also lashed out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre over the issue.
