Western nations, especially the United States, have continuously mocked India’s purchase of Russian oil since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
In reaction to US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised him that India would cease buying oil from Russia, New Delhi has stated that protecting the interests of Indian consumers in a volatile energy landscape is India’s top concern.
“Oil and gas are major imports for India. Protecting the interests of Indian consumers in a volatile energy environment has always been our top priority. This goal serves as the sole guiding principle for our import policies,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement.
Our energy policy has been focused on securing supplies and maintaining stable energy costs. This involves diversifying as needed to adapt to market conditions and broadening our energy sourcing, the statement continued.
“The United States has been working to increase its energy purchases for a long time. Over the past ten years, this has advanced steadily. The present administration has expressed interest in strengthening its partnership with India in the energy sector. There are ongoing discussions,” it stated.
This follows the US President’s assertion that Prime Minister Modi promised him that India would no longer purchase Russian oil. “He has given me his word that no oil would be bought from Russia. He can’t do it right now. It’s a bit of a process, but it will shortly come to an end,” he stated.
Western nations, especially the United States, have frequently mocked India’s purchase of Russian oil since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. The Indian stance on this matter has been stated by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who stated that the country is only attempting to obtain the best possible outcome for its people. He has also called attention to the West’s double standards, stating that it must abandon the belief that “Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.”
Trump’s tariff war against New Delhi was also prompted by India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil.
The opposition had earlier attacked the center for Trump’s comments. “PM Modi is scared of Trump,” stated Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. 1. Gives Trump the authority to declare that India will no longer purchase Russian oil. 2. Continues to send congrats even after being repeatedly ignored. 3. Postponed the Finance Minister’s trip to the United States. 4. Did not visit Sharm el-Sheikh. In an X post, Gandhi stated, “Doesn’t contradict him on Operation Sindoor.”
According to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the Congress must decide. “I overheard the Congress question why there isn’t a trade agreement a few days ago. The party lacks direction, a leader, and a rudder. Congress needs to take stock because, in my opinion, even the opposition no longer views Congress as their leader, let alone the nation’s leader,” Goyal stated.
