India denies Trump’s claim of phone call with PM Modi over Russian oil purchases

India firmly denied Donald Trump’s claim of a recent phone call with PM Modi over Russian oil purchases, reiterating its independent energy policy

PGurus Newsdesk

October 16, 2025

India Rejects Trump’s Claim on Modi Call Over Russian Oil

India Denies Trump’s Claim of Modi Call on Russian Oil Purchases

India on Thursday categorically denied claims by US President Donald Trump that he had recently spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and received assurances that New Delhi would halt its purchase of oil from Russia.

Responding to questions on Trump’s remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no such telephonic conversation had taken place between the two leaders.

“Regarding the comment from the US on the energy issue, we have already issued a statement, which you can refer to. As for the telephonic conversation, I can say that there has been no discussion between the Prime Minister and President Trump,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi.

The clarification came after President Trump, during a White House press briefing, claimed that Prime Minister Modi had “assured” him that India would soon stop importing oil from Russia. Trump, who praised Modi as “a great man” and India as “an incredible country,” suggested that the two leaders had spoken recently and could meet on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

“He assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia… It’s a process, but it will be over soon,” Trump said, adding that such a move would make it “much easier” to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Trump also introduced Sergio Gor, the newly appointed US Ambassador to India, during the briefing, remarking, “Sergio is going to do a great job. You better represent us, not them, okay?”

Following Trump’s comments, the Indian government reiterated its long-standing stance that the country’s energy purchases are guided solely by national interest and consumer needs, not foreign political pressure.

“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,” the MEA said in a written statement.

The ministry further emphasized that India’s energy security rests on two key pillars — stable prices and assured supply — and that the country continues to diversify its energy sourcing to meet market conditions.

“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,” the statement added.

On energy cooperation with the US, the MEA noted that India has steadily expanded its energy engagement with Washington over the past decade, with ongoing discussions to further strengthen ties under the current administration.

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