India has reiterated that ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens remains its highest priority, responding to claims by former US President Donald Trump that New Delhi has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified on Thursday that India’s energy decisions are guided by national interest, market conditions, and evolving global dynamics, not unilateral political claims.
Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India’s approach to energy sourcing is focused on safeguarding long-term stability and affordability for its population.
“Ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people is the supreme priority of the government,” Jaiswal said. “Diversifying our energy sourcing in line with objective market conditions and international developments is central to our strategy.”
Trump had earlier claimed, following the announcement of an India–US trade deal, that India would stop buying Russian oil and instead increase purchases from the United States and potentially Venezuela. He suggested the move could help bring an end to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
However, Indian officials did not confirm any commitment to halting Russian oil imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while confirming the trade agreement, made no reference to changes in India’s energy procurement from Russia.
Jaiswal further noted that India remains open to purchasing oil from Venezuela or other suppliers, depending on commercial viability.
“India has a long-standing partnership with Venezuela, and we remain open to buying oil from Venezuela or elsewhere based on economic considerations,” he said.
Reacting to the developments, Russia stated that it has not received any formal communication from India regarding a halt in oil purchases. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi, stating that Russia intends to continue strengthening bilateral ties.
The India–US trade deal, announced earlier this week, includes a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the agreement is in its final stages, with detailed documentation still being completed. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer echoed this, describing the deal as “still being papered,” with a joint statement expected soon.
