Donald Trump’s claim of securing a “big stop” to India’s Russian oil purchases has been met with a firm, diplomatic rebuttal from New Delhi. Trump told reporters PM Modi “assured” him the trade would end.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement asserting its sovereign policy. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that “safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer” is the government’s priority, and energy imports “are guided entirely by this objective.”
This friction comes as the US has already hit India with 50% tariffs, half of which are a penalty for the Russian oil trade.
Russia’s Ambassador, Denis Alipov, supported India’s stance, calling the oil “beneficial.” He then reinforced the strategic alliance by announcing a major defense expansion, including an offer for the Su-57 fighter jet.