India firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims that he had recently held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which India supposedly assured Washington it would cease importing Russian oil.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified on Thursday, “Regarding the comment from the US on the energy issue, we have already issued a statement, which you can refer to. As for the telephonic conversation, I can say that there has been no discussion between the Prime Minister and President Trump.”
Trump, speaking at the White House, had lauded his rapport with Modi and described India as “an incredible country.” He suggested that the leaders had spoken recently and might meet on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia. The US President claimed, “He assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia.”
The MEA reiterated India’s longstanding position that energy procurement decisions are guided solely by national interest and the welfare of Indian consumers, not by foreign political pressure. “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,” Jaiswal said.
Also read: PM Modi assured 'India won't buy oil from Russia': Trump
India’s energy strategy, the ministry noted, rests on two pillars: stable pricing and assured supply. “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.
The MEA also highlighted that discussions on energy cooperation with the United States have been ongoing for several years. “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,” it said.
Trump also introduced the newly appointed US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, during the White House briefing. He commented, “We have the new ambassador to India right here. They’re well represented. You better represent us, not them, okay? But Sergio is going to do a great job.”
Follow us
