New Delhi: India on Thursday categorically denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that he had a recent telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the Indian leader allegedly assured that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia.
Responding to the remarks made by the US President, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no such conversation had taken place between the two leaders.
“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,”
— Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson
The clarification followed President Trump’s comments made at the White House, where he spoke about his relationship with PM Modi and praised India as “an incredible country.” Trump referred to Modi as “a great man” and suggested that the two leaders had spoken recently, adding that they might meet on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
When asked about the possibility of a meeting, Trump said:
“Yeah, sure, he’s a friend of mine. We have a great relationship. He’s a great man. He loves Trump. I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country, and every single year you’d have a new leader… and my friend has been there now for a long time.”
Trump also claimed that during the alleged call, PM Modi had assured him that India would not be buying oil from Russia anymore.
“He assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You can’t do it immediately — it’s a little bit of a process — but the process is going to be over with soon,” Trump said, adding that this would make it “much easier” to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The US President also introduced the newly appointed US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who was present in the Oval Office.
“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,” Trump quipped.
Following the statements, India reiterated its long-standing policy on energy imports, stressing that its decisions are guided by national interest and energy security, not by political pressures.
In a written statement, the MEA said:
“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.”
The ministry also emphasized that India’s energy strategy is built on two fundamental principles — stable prices 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 MEA noted.
On the issue of India-US energy cooperation, the ministry highlighted that both nations have been expanding their energy engagement 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,” the MEA added.
The clarification comes amid continuing Western efforts to isolate Russia’s energy trade in response to the Ukraine conflict, with Washington urging allies to reduce dependence on Russian oil. India, however, has consistently maintained that its energy purchases are driven by market realities and national requirements.
India Denies Donald Trump’s Claim Of Call With PM Modi Over Russian Oil Purchases
