India Responds to Trump Claim on Russian Oil Purchases, Randhir Jaiswal

Randhir Jaiswal Clarifies India’s Energy Policy After Trump’s Remarks on Russian Oil Purchases

India has addressed US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him of halting Russian oil purchases. Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s energy policies are guided by national interests and global market realities. 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,” he said.

Jaiswal added that ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies remains central to India’s approach. “Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions,” he noted. 

He also highlighted ongoing discussions with the United States, saying, “The current Administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing.”

What Trump Claimed

US President Donald Trump, speaking at a White House event on Wednesday, asserted that PM Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. “He’s assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia. You know, 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.

Trump further praised Modi’s leadership and longevity in office. “I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country, and every single year you would have a new leader. Some would be in there for a few months, and this was year after year, and my friend has been there now for a long time,” he added during a joint press conference with FBI Director Kash Patel at the Oval Office.

Context of Tariffs and Energy Policy

Trump criticized India’s previous energy imports from Russia and described the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict as “unnecessary.” The statements come months after Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, citing India’s purchases of Russian military equipment and energy. 

India had clearly stated that its energy decisions would continue to be guided by national interests and global market conditions, rather than external pressures.

Analysis and Implications

India's reaction shows that the country is trying to keep the balance between having good international relations and taking care of its own needs. Trump's position is that the US will dictate which energy sources are used through its diplomatic power, but India insists that the protection of consumers and market stability will always be the main considerations. 

Some analysts see this position as an indication of India's commitment to the long-term policy of diversifying energy imports while still keeping the US as one of its partners in the global market.