Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A diplomatic storm brewed over the last 24 hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia — a statement India has strongly denied. The claim, made during a White House press conference, came amid tense trade negotiations following Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports.
Trump’s Big Claim And Political Quip
Trump told reporters that Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil purchases, calling it a “big step.” He added that while the shift wouldn’t happen overnight, the process was already underway. Trump also jokingly remarked that he didn’t want to “destroy Modi’s political career” while recounting what US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor told him about Modi’s admiration for Trump. These comments came on the heels of Gor’s first visit to India, where he met Modi and presented him with a signed photograph.
Opposition Reaction And India’s Clarification
Back in India, Trump’s remarks triggered political backlash. Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of being “frightened of Trump” and criticized the government’s silence. Priyanka Chaturvedi demanded the claims be refuted publicly. Hours later, the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed Trump’s statement, clarifying that no conversation took place between the two leaders regarding Russian oil. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s energy import decisions are guided solely by domestic consumer interests. He also highlighted India’s expanding energy cooperation with the US.
Russia Defends Oil Trade With India
Reacting to the developments, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov defended Moscow’s oil supplies, stating they were “very beneficial for the Indian economy and the welfare of the Indian people.” He underscored that both India and the US act independently in such matters, signaling Russia’s intent to continue its energy relationship with New Delhi.
