India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has re-asserted its independent energy policy, stating that “safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer” is the government’s top priority. This statement was a direct response to claims by Donald Trump that India would halt Russian oil purchases.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that in a “volatile energy scenario,” India’s imports “are guided entirely by this objective.” This rebuffs Trump’s claim that he had been “assured” by PM Modi of a “big stop” to the oil trade.
The US has already imposed 50% tariffs on India, with half designated as a penalty for the Russian oil buys.
Russia’s Ambassador, Denis Alipov, supported India’s stance, calling the oil trade “beneficial” for the Indian economy.
In a related move, Alipov announced a major expansion of defense ties, offering co-production of the Su-57 fighter and other advanced technologies. This move reinforces the deep strategic ties between Delhi and Moscow, even as the US applies economic pressure.