Trump Claims India Halted Russian Oil Purchases; New Delhi Maintains Firm Stance

Download IPFS

A claim by President Donald Trump that India has ceased purchasing Russian oil has been directly countered by the Indian government. During a recent interaction with reporters, Trump stated that he heard India was no longer buying oil from Russia, calling it a “good step.” However, sources from the Indian government have been quick to push back, reaffirming that India’s energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and market dynamics, not by external pressure. This diplomatic exchange highlights the ongoing tension between New Delhi’s pragmatic energy policy and Washington’s efforts to isolate Moscow.

The Indian government has maintained a consistent and public position on its energy imports since the conflict in Ukraine began. Despite Western sanctions, India has dramatically increased its purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, which now accounts for a significant portion of its total oil imports. According to multiple reports, Russia has become India’s top oil supplier, accounting for an estimated 35% of overall supplies in the first six months of 2025. This has been a critical strategy for India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, to manage its energy costs and inflation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the issue, stating that India’s relations with various countries stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. He also reiterated in a report that India and Russia share a steady and time-tested partnership. This response underscores New Delhi’s commitment to an independent foreign policy, where economic decisions are made based on the country’s requirements, especially in a volatile global energy market.

While there have been recent reports from industry sources that Indian state-owned refiners have temporarily paused new purchases of Russian crude due to narrowing discounts, the government has clarified that no directive has been issued to halt imports. The core issue remains India’s right to pursue its economic interests by sourcing affordable energy, a position it has firmly defended against calls for it to join Western sanctions.