US President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that India may be halting oil imports from Russia, calling it “a good step” if confirmed, while New Delhi reaffirmed its sovereign right to chart its own energy policy based on market conditions and national interest.
Speaking to ANI, Trump responded to questions about potential penalties on India for continuing Russian oil imports, stating: “I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard, I don’t know if that’s right or not. That is a good step. We’ll see what happens.”
However, during a press briefing earlier the same day, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is “not aware of any specific developments” indicating a pause in Russian oil purchases by Indian companies.
“India’s approach to energy sourcing is guided by availability in the market and the prevailing global situation,” Jaiswal stated, reiterating India’s position that energy decisions are based on strategic autonomy.
Trump’s comments come amid a flurry of criticism from Washington, including from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, over India’s continued energy trade with Russia despite Western sanctions due to the Ukraine war.
Despite this, India maintained a measured stance and expressed confidence that India-US ties remain strong, with focus on a substantive bilateral agenda.
Earlier this week, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and an additional penalty related to Russian oil imports, moves seen as part of a broader effort to rebalance trade relations. Yet he also hinted at continued negotiations with India, saying: “We’re talking to them now… India was one of the highest tariff nations in the world. They had 175 per cent or higher. But now they’re willing to cut it very substantially. We’ll see what happens.”
Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “friend”, Trump acknowledged the US trade deficit with India and suggested that even if a deal is not reached, “it doesn’t matter too much.”
In response, the Indian government informed Parliament that it is assessing the impact of the new US trade measures and will take all necessary steps to safeguard national interests.
While Washington views reduced Russian oil imports by India as a positive sign, New Delhi remains firm on preserving its economic flexibility and protecting the energy needs of its citizens amid volatile global markets.
