India Rejects Trump's Claim of Modi's Assurance on Russian Oil
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on October 16, 2025, firmly stated that its oil import decisions are driven by national consumer interests and energy security, directly responding to former US President Donald Trump's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that he was 'not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders' regarding this issue.
Trump had claimed on October 15, 2025, that Modi had given him a pledge to halt Russian oil purchases. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, 'I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big step.' He added that while it couldn't be done 'immediately,' the 'process will be over soon.'
Prioritizing Consumer Interests and Energy Security
The MEA's statement underscored India's consistent position, emphasizing that its import policies are 'guided entirely' by the objective to 'safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.' The Ministry highlighted that the 'twin goals' of India's energy policy are ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies. This approach includes 'broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.'
India, a significant importer of oil and gas, has seen its purchases of Russian crude surge dramatically since the Ukraine war began. Prior to the conflict, Russia supplied less than 1% of India's oil, a figure that has since risen to approximately 34-40% of its total imports due to discounted prices. Russia currently remains India's largest crude oil supplier.
US Pressure and Trade Implications
The US has been actively pressuring India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil, arguing that these purchases contribute to financing Russia's military actions in Ukraine. In August, the Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on Indian goods, with 25% of the increased tariff rate specifically linked to India's Russian oil acquisitions.
Ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and India are reportedly influenced by this issue, with a reduction in Russian oil imports seen as a key factor for lowering India's tariff rate and finalizing a broader trade agreement. While some reports suggest Indian refiners are considering a gradual reduction in Russian oil purchases, potentially starting in December, no formal directive has been issued by the Indian government. An immediate cessation of these imports could lead to increased global oil prices and domestic inflation. India has also been working to expand its energy procurement from the US.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
India's need for affordable energy is understandable given its population, but its continued reliance on Russian oil does create a complex geopolitical dilemma. Balancing domestic needs with international responsibilities is a tough act.
Fuerza
Discounted oil isn't worth aligning with an aggressor. India should know better.
Manolo Noriega
Trump was right to call them out. India's actions undermine global efforts against Russia.
Ongania
India's policy of diversifying energy sources is sound, but the dramatic increase in Russian oil makes that claim less convincing in practice. A gradual reduction might be more feasible than an abrupt halt, mitigating both economic shock and international criticism.
Manolo Noriega
India is funding Russia's aggression in Ukraine. This is morally indefensible.