MEA responds to Trump's claims on Russian oil trade: Priority is to safeguard interests of India's consumer

Responding to US President Donald Trump's claim that India would not buy Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs firmly maintained that its only priority is to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario, and New Delhi's energy imports "are guided entirely by this objective." 

Earlier on Wednesday, during a press conference at the White House, Donald Trump had claimed that he was "assured" by PM Modi that India would stop purchasing Russian oil. He said, "I was not happy that India is buying oil. And he (PM Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big stop."

Trump also stated that he would get China also "do the same thing." 

What did the MEA say?   

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, "India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective." 

Our response to media queries on comments on India’s energy sourcing⬇️
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— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 16, 2025

Adding, "Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions."

Jaiswal stated that India has been striving to expand its energy procurement for years, and discussions over energy cooperation are underway with Washington. 

He said, "Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing." 

India has always maintained its stance on energy trade. Earlier also, the MEA said that India is "guided by what is on offer in markets and prevailing global situation". And when it comes to defense, its sourcing is determined by "national security imperatives and strategic assessments."