India Responds To Trump’s Claim That PM Modi Assured To Stop Russian Oil Purchase | India News

India on Thursday responded to US President Donald Trump’s comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurances of halting Russian oil purchases, stating that the country’s energy resources are driven by its own national interests and the need to protect Indian consumers. Responding to media questions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “India is a major importer of oil and gas. Protecting the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario has been our consistent priority. Our import policies are fully guided by this objective. The twin objectives of our energy policy have been to ensure stable energy prices and secure supply. This includes expanding our energy resources and providing energy It involves diversifying our resources. “Suitable for market conditions.”

“In the case of the United States, we have sought to expand our energy supply for many years. This has progressed steadily over the last decade. The current Administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing,” he added. Trump’s remarks came after President Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia, calling it a “major step” in efforts to increase global pressure on Moscow.

Trump made these statements at a joint press conference with FBI Director Kash Patel in the Oval Office; where the two highlighted the administration’s efforts to curb violent crime. Responding to ANI’s question whether he sees India as a reliable partner, Trump said, “Yes, of course. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is my friend. We have a great relationship… I was not happy about India buying oil. And today he assured me that they will not buy oil from Russia. This is a big stop. Now we have to make China do the same…”

Reaffirming his close relationship with the Indian leader, he added, “He’s a friend of mine. We have a great relationship. He just said that two days ago, as you know.” However, Trump criticized India’s previous oil imports from Russia, saying, “We are not happy about India buying oil from Russia, because it allows Russia to continue this ridiculous war, losing one and a half million people in the meantime. Russia lost one and a half million people, mostly soldiers.”

While Washington continues to encourage New Delhi to diversify its energy sources, India has long argued that oil imports from Moscow are essential for economic stability. Describing the ongoing conflict as unnecessary, Trump said, “This is a war that should never have started, but it’s a war that Russia should have won in the first week and they’re entering the fourth year. And I want to see it stop. That’s why I wasn’t happy about India buying oil.”

He continued: “And today he assured me that they will not buy oil from Russia. This is a big stop. Now I have to get China to do the same.”
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are using Trump’s comments to attack the government, claiming that Prime Minister Modi is “afraid” of Donald Trump.