After Trump Says Modi “Loves Trump,” Will Stop Buying Oil From Russia, India Reaffirms Focus On Energy Security

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI — India reaffirmed on October 16 its oil import decisions are guided  by national interest and consumer welfare, responding to  President Donald Trump’s assertion  that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would halt oil purchases from Russia.

“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,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a statement. “Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective.”

Jaiswal emphasized that India’s approach centers on ensuring “stable energy prices and secured supplies,” achieved through diversification of sources and flexible procurement strategies based on market conditions. “Where the U.S. is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade,” he added, noting that discussions with the current U.S. administration on deepening energy cooperation are ongoing.

Trump’s comments came earlier in Washington during a White House press conference, where he lauded Modi as “a great man” who “loves Trump.”

“I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country, and,” Trump claimed wrongly, “every single year you’d have a new leader.” He went on to say, “…and my friend has been there now for a long time.”.

The  president claimed that Modi had “assured” him India would stop buying oil from Russia, though he acknowledged it could not happen “immediately.”

“Within a short period of time, they will not be buying oil from Russia… and they’ll go back to Russia after the war’s over,” Trump added, asserting that such a move would “make it much easier” to end the conflict.

Trump’s remarks coincided with ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations in Washington, where India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal is set to join discussions this week.

 Separately, India’s Commerce Ministry noted that the country could increase crude and natural gas imports from the U.S. by $12–13 billion without modifying refinery configurations — a step aligned with its goal of diversifying energy sources at the “right price.” (with IANS inputs)