US President Donald Trump has made fresh remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that Modi had promised to stop buying Russian oil — and adding that he didn’t want to “destroy [Modi’s] political career.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly denied that any such phone conversation between the two leaders took place.
India Denies Trump’s Claim on Russian Oil
The Indian government dismissed Trump’s statements, stressing that New Delhi’s energy decisions are based on sovereign interests and consumer needs.
“It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The ministry’s response came hours after Trump’s comments, which also included his claim that he didn’t want to harm Modi politically.
“I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big stop,” Trump said.
Trump’s Praise and Political Jibe
While making the remarks, Trump also described Modi as a “great friend” who “loves Trump.”
“I don’t want to destroy his political career,” he said.
In the same speech, Trump inaccurately claimed that India had a new leader “every year” before Modi came to power — ignoring the decade-long tenure of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government before the BJP’s rise in 2014.
Modi’s government, now in its third consecutive term, has so far chosen a measured diplomatic approach in response to Trump’s unpredictable statements.
Russian Oil and Trade Frictions
India remains one of the world’s largest importers of Russian crude oil, especially after the 2022 Ukraine conflict.
Discounted rates made Russian oil an attractive alternative, with imports rising from under 1% to nearly 40% of India’s total crude supply.
While the US has argued that such purchases fund Moscow’s war, Indian officials have said their approach is driven by affordability and stability.
India has also faced tariffs of up to 50% on several goods in ongoing US-India trade negotiations.
New Delhi, meanwhile, has drawn its own red lines — particularly against allowing American dairy and farm products unrestricted access to Indian markets.
Trump’s Repeated ‘War-Stopping’ Claims
Trump’s remarks about Modi came shortly after he once again claimed credit for “stopping” an India-Pakistan war in May — a claim he has now repeated over 50 times.
India has rejected the narrative, clarifying that it halted military action on its own strategic terms, not under US pressure.
Trump has also invoked the issue during international events, including the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, where Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly praised him for “stopping the war.”
Tensions Over Tariffs and Tone
US political watchers suggest Trump is frustrated that PM Modi has not publicly supported his Nobel Peace Prize ambitions.
Despite the jibes, Trump recently sent Modi a framed photo of the two leaders, inscribed with the message: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great!”
India, however, continues to prioritize economic self-reliance. Modi has emphasized “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and promoted “swadeshi” (indigenous) products while avoiding direct responses to Trump’s rhetoric.
Meanwhile, an Indian delegation is in Washington for the sixth round of trade talks aimed at easing tariff tensions and deepening cooperation.
Opposition’s Sharp Reaction
Opposition leaders in India, however, have criticised the Prime Minister’s silence.
Congress MP Imran Masood said:
“Trump hamara baap hai kya? (Is Trump our father?) Why does he tell us everything while our Prime Minister stays silent? What secret is being kept?”
He added that India should never appear to be “returning to the same shackles of dependence.”
✅ SEO & Readability Summary
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Focus Keyword: Trump Modi Russian oil
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Secondary Keywords: Donald Trump Modi friendship, India US trade, Russian oil imports India, MEA response to Trump
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Meta Title (≤ 60 chars): Trump’s ‘Destroy Career’ Jibe at Modi Draws Indian Response
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Meta Description (≤ 155 chars): India denies Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi promised to stop buying Russian oil. MEA asserts independent decision-making.
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Readability: Green (short sentences, transition words, active voice)
