India Reaffirms Independent Oil Policy Amid Trump’s Claim on Russian Imports

India has firmly reiterated that its energy import policies are guided by national interests and the need to ensure affordable, stable energy for its citizens. This clarification came after US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia.

India’s Energy Policy: Consumer Interest Comes First

Responding to Trump’s claim, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement highlighting India’s consistent stand on energy imports. "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," Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

The spokesperson further underlined that "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."

This statement reflects India’s approach of maintaining flexibility and autonomy in its energy strategy, ensuring that the nation’s citizens are protected from global oil price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

Ongoing Energy Cooperation with the United States

Clarifying India’s position with respect to its engagement with the United States, Jaiswal added, "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."

This indicates that while India is open to expanding energy ties with the US, it will continue to base its decisions on national interests rather than external pressure.

Trump’s Remark and the Context Behind It

The clarification came after Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had agreed to end oil imports from Russia. "He's assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia. He can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon," Trump said.

His remarks quickly drew attention globally, as they came at a time when India has maintained that it will not compromise on securing affordable energy sources amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

India’s Balanced Stance on Russian Oil

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has faced criticism from several Western nations for continuing to purchase discounted Russian crude oil. However, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has repeatedly defended India’s position, asserting that it is driven by economic and strategic necessity.

He has stated that India is "merely trying to get the best deal for its citizens" and has called out Western hypocrisy, saying that the West needs to move past the belief that "Europe's problems are the world's problems, but the world's problems are not Europe's problems."

India’s purchases of Russian oil have been vital in cushioning domestic inflation and ensuring stable fuel prices at a time when global energy markets have remained volatile due to sanctions and supply disruptions.

Political Reactions Within India

The controversy has also sparked political reactions at home. Opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of the situation and accused Prime Minister Modi of being submissive in his dealings with Trump.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said, "PM Modi is frightened of Trump". He added, "1. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil. 2. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs. 3. Cancelled the Finance Minister's visit to America. 4. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. 5. Doesn't contradict him on Operation Sindoor," Gandhi said in a post on X.

These statements reflect a deepening political divide over how India manages its foreign relations, especially with major powers such as the US and Russia.

India’s Strategic Autonomy in Global Energy

India’s response underlines its commitment to strategic autonomy in foreign policy and economic decisions. As one of the world’s largest energy consumers, India’s choices are guided by domestic requirements and global market realities, not political pressure.

Experts believe that India’s continued diversification of energy imports — including partnerships with the Middle East, Russia, and the United States — reflects a pragmatic approach to energy security.