India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a firm and clear response to Donald Trump’s claim about Russian oil, stating that “safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer” is the government’s top priority.
Trump had claimed PM Modi “assured” him of a “big stop” to the oil trade. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal’s statement, however, asserts that India’s energy imports “are guided entirely by this objective” of national welfare.
This assertion of an independent policy comes as the US has imposed 50% tariffs, half of which are a direct penalty for the Russian oil trade.
Russia’s Ambassador, Denis Alipov, supported India’s stance, calling the oil “beneficial” for its economy.
Simultaneously, Alipov announced a major new defense deal, offering India the Su-57 fighter, drones, and other advanced systems, reinforcing the strategic partnership amid the US-led economic squeeze.