New Delhi: A whirlwind 24 hours in India-US relations unfolded as US President Donald Trump made a bold claim regarding India’s oil trade with Russia, sparking a mix of international attention, political reactions, and official clarifications.
On Thursday morning, global media were abuzz after Trump, speaking at a White House press conference on Wednesday, asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that New Delhi would halt its purchases of Russian oil. “Yeah, sure. He's a friend of mine. We have a great relationship... I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step,” Trump declared, linking India’s energy ties to ongoing US concerns over the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of strained trade negotiations between India and the US. Earlier in August, the President had sharply increased tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, citing, among other reasons, India’s growing energy trade with Russia. Trump emphasized the significance of this alleged assurance, noting, “He’s not buying his oil from Russia. It (has) started. He can't do it immediately; it’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon.” He also hinted at a desire for similar measures from China, the world’s largest buyer of Russian energy.
During the same briefing, Trump added a lighter, self-aware comment about his rapport with PM Modi, referencing Sergio Gor, the US ambassador-designate to India. “He loves Trump... I don’t want you to take the word love any differently... I don’t want to destroy his political career,” he joked, earning laughter from attendees. Gor had recently visited India, meeting Modi and presenting a signed photograph of the two leaders, highlighting the personal diplomacy at play amid broader trade discussions.
Trump’s remarks immediately triggered reactions from India’s political opposition. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, criticized PM Modi, suggesting he was “frightened of Trump” and questioned the lack of clarity from the Indian government. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi called for a refutation of Trump’s claims, asserting that “silence is betrayal.”
In response to mounting speculation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized India’s autonomy in energy procurement. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India is a significant importer of oil and gas. 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.” Jaiswal also denied any phone conversation between Trump and Modi concerning Russian oil purchases. He underscored India’s ongoing engagement with the US to expand energy cooperation, reflecting continued bilateral dialogue despite recent trade frictions.
Adding another dimension to the debate, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov affirmed the benefits of Russian oil for India. “India and the US are independent in their decisions, and we do not interfere in those issues. Our oil supplies are very beneficial for the Indian economy and the welfare of the Indian people,” he said, reaffirming Moscow’s view that its energy exports remain vital for New Delhi’s energy security and economic stability.
In just 24 hours, Trump’s statements ignited a complex interplay of diplomacy, politics, and media scrutiny. With India maintaining its position of energy independence, the US and Russia weighing in, and domestic political forces reacting sharply, the episode highlights the delicate balancing act India faces in global energy and trade politics. Analysts suggest that the next few weeks will be crucial in clarifying both India’s energy strategy and the trajectory of India-US relations in the context of global sanctions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.