Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:35am on 16 Oct 2025,Thursday India Global
India responded Thursday to US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him of halting Russian oil purchases. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized safeguarding Indian consumer interests in volatile energy markets remains the priority, with import policies "guided entirely by this objective." Trump claimed Wednesday that Modi assured no more Russian oil purchases, though acknowledging the transition requires time. He praised Modi as "a friend" with remarkable political longevity. Trump's statement follows months after imposing up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian military and energy purchases. India maintains its energy decisions are guided by national interests and market conditions, not external pressure, while pursuing expanded US energy procurement.
