Post by : Rameen Ariff

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again praised India for what he described as its “very good” stance on Russian oil imports, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that New Delhi would significantly reduce or halt purchases from Moscow.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Busan, Trump said that India had shown cooperation in addressing global energy concerns, even as he admitted that Washington had limited influence over China’s energy trade with Russia.

“There’s not a lot more we can do. China’s been buying oil from Russia for a long time—it takes care of a big part of China,” Trump said. “But I can say India’s been very good on that front. We didn’t really discuss oil; we discussed working together to see if we could get that war finished.”

Trump’s comments mark the latest in a series of repeated claims since mid-October 2025 that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would either halt or drastically reduce Russian crude imports—a major source of revenue for the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.

India’s Energy Policy and Response

Earlier this month, India officially responded to Trump’s comments, emphasizing that its energy sourcing decisions are based on national interests and consumer welfare.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India’s import policies are designed to maintain stable energy prices and ensure a secure supply chain for its citizens.

“India is a significant importer of oil and gas. Our import policies are guided by the goal of safeguarding Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario,” Jaiswal said. “Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies remain the twin pillars of our energy policy.”

He further highlighted that India continues to broaden its energy partnerships, including with the United States, to diversify its sources and ensure market stability.

“Where the U.S. is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. Discussions on deepening cooperation are ongoing,” Jaiswal added.

Balancing Global Pressure and Domestic Needs

India has consistently defended its purchase of discounted Russian oil, citing the need to protect its economy and consumers from global price shocks. New Delhi maintains that its approach is pragmatic, focusing on energy security rather than political pressure.

Meanwhile, the United States continues urging global partners to reduce dependence on Russian energy, viewing such trade as a critical source of funding for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Trump, who has been vocal about strengthening U.S.-India ties, described Modi’s alleged assurance as “a big step” toward global efforts to economically isolate Russia.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict nears its third year, India’s balancing act—between maintaining affordable energy imports and aligning with broader global interests—remains a delicate and closely watched diplomatic challenge.

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