Modi-Trump call: MEA rejects Trump, Modi, Russian oil claims

Modi-Trump: Hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly issued a clarification, stating that no such conversation had taken place.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during his weekly media briefing, dismissing the Modi-Trump Russian oil claims outright. “As per my information, there was no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and US President Trump yesterday,” he said, firmly rebutting the remarks made in Washington.

Jaiswal went on to reiterate India’s long-standing stance on energy policy: ensuring stability in global energy prices and securing supplies through diversification. “This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions,” he added.

Modi-Trump: What Trump said

At a White House event on Wednesday, President Trump suggested that he had spoken directly to PM Modi, claiming the Indian leader had given him assurances that New Delhi would soon halt Russian oil imports.

“This is a war that should have never started, but it’s a war that Russia should have won in the first week. And I want to see it stop,” Trump said. He went on to add, “I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [PM Modi] has assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. It’s a little bit of a process, but it will be over with soon.”

The president further linked his remarks to his recent diplomatic achievements in the Middle East, stating that persuading China to follow suit would be “relatively easy” compared to his earlier negotiations on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

India’s position unchanged

India, however, has remained consistent in its approach to sourcing energy since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. New Delhi has repeatedly emphasized that its imports are guided by national interest and energy security, not external pressure.

Jaiswal underscored this once again, highlighting that India has steadily expanded energy cooperation with the United States over the past decade. “The current administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing,” he noted, without directly referencing Trump’s comments.

Modi-Trump: The larger backdrop

Trump’s remarks come amid delicate trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi, and just two months after the US imposed 25 percent tariffs on certain Indian goods in connection with oil imports. Analysts believe that raising the issue of Russian oil could be a way for Trump to build leverage in talks while also signaling toughness on Moscow.

Interestingly, despite criticizing India’s purchases from Russia, Trump also spoke fondly of PM Modi, describing him as a “great man” and emphasizing their warm personal relationship. “Modi loves Trump,” he said, before praising India as an “incredible country” that has shown stability under Modi’s leadership.

Also Read : Shaun Jayachandran: A Visionary Educator & Basketball Coach