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India on Thursday reaffirmed that ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion people remains the government’s “supreme priority”, amid claims by US President Donald Trump that New Delhi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian crude oil.

Responding to questions at a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest, market realities and evolving global dynamics.

“Insofar as India’s energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government,” Jaiswal said.

He added that diversification of energy supplies, in line with objective market conditions and international developments, lies at the core of India’s strategy. “All of India’s actions are taken and will be taken with this in mind,” he said, without directly confirming any commitment to halt Russian oil imports.

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Trump had earlier said, following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that India would stop buying Russian crude and increase purchases from the US and Venezuela. However, diplomatic sources indicated that New Delhi is unlikely to completely end imports from Russia, especially with expectations that the Ukraine conflict may ease.

India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil has been a contentious issue in ties with Washington, with US officials alleging it supports Moscow’s war effort. New Delhi has consistently rejected the charge, maintaining that its energy decisions are driven by economic and strategic considerations.

On Venezuela, Jaiswal said the country has been a long-standing energy partner of India. Imports from Venezuela, halted due to sanctions, briefly resumed in 2023-24 before being suspended again following their re-imposition. He said India remains open to exploring commercially viable crude supply options, including from Venezuela.

Jaiswal also referred to Modi’s remarks on the recent trade understanding with the US, under which tariffs on Indian goods were reduced to 18 per cent, calling it a boost for exports, jobs and growth.