India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has re-asserted its independent energy policy, stating that “safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer” is the government’s top priority. This statement was a direct response to claims by Donald Trump that India would halt Russian oil purchases.
Trump had claimed PM Modi “assured” him of a “big stop” to the oil trade. But MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India’s energy imports “are guided entirely by this objective” of national and consumer welfare.
This assertion of an independent policy comes as the US has imposed 50% tariffs on India, partially as a 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 expansion of defense ties, offering co-production of the Su-57 fighter and other advanced technologies. This move reinforces the deep strategic ties between Delhi and Moscow.