India Defends Energy Sourcing, Addresses Trump’s Russia Oil Claims

India has issued a clear statement on its energy procurement policies, directly addressing comments attributed to former US President Donald Trump concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian oil purchases. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson reiterated on Thursday that India’s energy strategy is anchored in safeguarding its national interests and protecting Indian consumers from global energy price fluctuations. The spokesperson underscored that India, as a substantial importer, aims for both price stability and secure energy supplies, which inherently involves diversifying its sources in line with market dynamics. Furthermore, India has been actively seeking to enhance its energy trade with the US for years, a collaboration that has seen steady growth and remains a subject of ongoing dialogue. Trump’s narrative suggested that PM Modi had promised to stop buying oil from Russia, a development Trump presented as a significant diplomatic victory aimed at isolating Moscow. He expressed personal disapproval of India’s past Russian oil purchases, citing concerns about the extended duration of the conflict and the heavy casualties reported. India has consistently prioritized its economic stability, justifying its energy import decisions based on these needs, despite international pressure to diversify. The opposition in India has leveraged Trump’s statements to criticize the government’s foreign policy approach.