Russia Rejects Trump’s Claim That India Will Stop Buying Oil From Moscow
New Delhi: Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov on Thursday firmly dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, saying New Delhi’s energy policy is determined entirely by national interests and the welfare of its citizens.
Speaking to reporters, Alipov underscored that India’s cooperation with Russia in the energy sector has been mutually beneficial and aligns with India’s long-term economic priorities.
“The Indian government is having in mind the national interest of this country in the first place, and our cooperation in energy is very much in tune with those interests,” Alipov said.
He added that Russian oil supplies have played a key role in supporting the Indian economy and providing affordable energy to millions, particularly during volatile global market conditions.
Russia’s Response to Trump’s Remark
Alipov’s remarks came after President Trump, during an interaction with reporters, claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would end imports of Russian oil, a move Washington has repeatedly urged amid ongoing Western sanctions on Moscow.
“He assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step… We’re going to get China to do the same thing,” Trump had said, referring to Modi.
However, Alipov made it clear that Russia views the issue as a matter between India and the United States and that Moscow respects India’s sovereign right to decide its own energy policy.
“I am not privy to conversations between the Indian Prime Minister and the President of the United States. But whatever is going on, it is a bilateral business between India and the US,” Alipov stated.
“We proceed from the understanding that the policy of the Indian government, first of all, reflects the interests of the Indian people and the national economy. Those goals do not contradict Russia-India relations,” he added.
India’s Independent Energy Policy
Alipov emphasized that Moscow maintains a “trustful dialogue” with New Delhi on a wide range of subjects, including oil and gas cooperation, and that both sides remain committed to strengthening this partnership.
“We are in a very close dialogue with the Indian government on various issues. We have the figures, we have the ongoing cooperation. I think we will continue to discuss the cooperation in this sector with India,” he said.
He reiterated that Russia does not interfere in India’s bilateral relations with other nations, including the United States.
“As far as the relations between India and the US are concerned, we do not interfere in those issues. This is a bilateral track of India with the US. And India has a bilateral track with us. We consider those independent. Our relationship is not directed against anyone. It reflects the ties for the benefit of our countries,” Alipov explained.
According to the Russian envoy, India’s purchase of Russian oil has been crucial in ensuring affordable energy, stable prices, and supply security, all of which are key to maintaining economic stability and supporting development.
“We think that our supply of oil is very beneficial for the Indian economy, for the welfare of the Indian people. And the Prime Minister, the Indian government has gone on record many times stating that these are the reasons for the current extensive cooperation with Russia in energy,” he said.
India’s Official Stand: Guided by Consumer Interests
Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to Trump’s comments, reaffirming that India’s energy decisions are based purely on national and consumer interests, not external pressures.
In a statement, the MEA clarified that India’s import policies aim to safeguard consumer interests, ensure supply stability, and maintain reasonable energy prices amid global uncertainty.
“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,” the statement read.
The MEA further emphasized that broad-basing and diversifying energy sources have been essential strategies for maintaining market stability.
“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,” the ministry added.
India-Russia Energy Ties Remain Strong
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, India has significantly increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil, defying Western pressure to cut ties with Moscow. The move has allowed India to maintain price stability while meeting its domestic fuel demand.
Russia has emerged as one of India’s top oil suppliers, alongside Iraq and Saudi Arabia, contributing to energy affordability and economic resilience amid global disruptions.
Despite geopolitical tensions, India has maintained that its relationship with Russia — particularly in energy — is based on mutual benefit and strategic autonomy, not alignment with any global bloc.
Global Reactions and Strategic Implications
While Washington has consistently urged countries to reduce energy ties with Moscow, India has argued that its energy security cannot be compromised. The government has emphasized that responsible sourcing from diverse partners is essential to meeting domestic needs.
Experts believe that New Delhi’s neutral position on global conflicts and its focus on strategic independence have allowed it to navigate international pressures while strengthening relations with both Russia and Western nations.
By continuing to engage Moscow on energy cooperation, India ensures steady oil supplies and gains leverage in global energy markets — a move many analysts describe as pragmatic and strategic rather than political.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s energy policy stands as a reflection of its growing global confidence and commitment to self-reliance. While political claims continue to surface, New Delhi’s stance remains clear — its decisions are guided by the needs of its people and the interests of its economy.
As Russia reaffirms trust in its partnership with India, the relationship between the two nations continues to highlight a shared vision — economic cooperation rooted in sovereignty, stability, and strategic balance.