India's ongoing focus is to protect the interests of its consumers amid an unstable energy situation, as stated by New Delhi in reply to US President Donald Trump's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised him India would cease buying oil from Russia. "India plays a major role as an importer of oil and gas. Our primary aim has been to protect the interests of Indian consumers during these uncertain energy times. Our importing strategies are fully directed by this aim," said Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, in an announcement. "Our energy policy has two main objectives: to ensure stable energy prices and secure supplies. This involves broadening our energy sources and diversifying as needed based on market conditions," the announcement continued.
"Regarding the US, we have aimed to increase our energy sourcing for many years. This has been a gradual process over the last ten years. The current administration has shown a willingness to strengthen energy collaboration with India. We are engaged in discussions," it noted.
This follows President Trump's claim that Prime Minister Modi guaranteed there would be no more oil purchases from Russia. "He assured me that India will halt oil imports from Russia. It won't happen instantly. There's a bit of a process involved, but it will be wrapped up soon," he remarked. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Western nations, especially the US, have criticized India's continued purchase of Russian oil. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has expressed India's stance on this matter, explaining that the country is simply trying to secure the best deals for its people. He has also highlighted the hypocrisy of Western nations, noting that they should move past the attitude that "Europe’s issues are global issues, yet global issues are not Europe’s concerns." India's ongoing acquisition of Russian oil was also cited as a reason for Trump's trade actions against New Delhi.
In the past, the opposition criticized the government concerning Trump's statements. Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader in Lok Sabha, asserted, "PM Modi is afraid of Trump." "1. He allows Trump to determine and declare that India will stop buying Russian oil. 2. He keeps sending messages of congratulations despite ongoing insults. 3. He cancelled the Finance Minister's trip to America. 4. He skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. 5. He fails to contradict him regarding Operation Sindoor," Gandhi remarked in a post on X.
