India has firmly responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a private promise to cut oil imports from Russia during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the statement as “unfounded and politically motivated”, reiterating that India’s decisions on energy imports are guided solely by national interest and energy security.
Trump, while addressing a rally in Florida earlier this week, alleged that PM Modi had assured him of reducing India’s dependence on Russian oil as part of a broader understanding with Western allies. The remark quickly sparked diplomatic chatter, given India’s balancing act between maintaining ties with the United States and continuing its strategic relationship with Moscow.
In an official response, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India maintains an independent foreign policy, adding:
“India’s energy purchases are made keeping in mind the welfare of our citizens and the stability of global energy markets. No such commitment was ever made.”
He further emphasized that India has consistently called for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict in Ukraine, while ensuring its domestic energy needs are not compromised.
Analysts believe Trump’s statement was aimed at scoring political points ahead of the U.S. presidential elections, rather than reflecting any diplomatic reality. India, meanwhile, continues to import discounted Russian crude, refining it into fuels that are even exported to Western nations — a strategy that has strengthened its economic resilience amid global volatility.
This is not the first time Trump has made remarks involving PM Modi. During his presidency, the two leaders shared a warm relationship, highlighted by the “Howdy Modi” and “Namaste Trump” events. However, the latest claim has drawn criticism from both Indian officials and foreign policy experts, who see it as an attempt to misrepresent India’s global stance.
As New Delhi continues to walk a delicate line between Washington and Moscow, it remains clear that India’s foreign policy is steered by pragmatism, not political promises.