The statement “India Rejects Trump’s Claim; Only Priority Is Energy Security” refers to the Indian government’s response following a claim made by US President Donald Trump regarding India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Here are the full details:

1. The Claim by US President Donald Trump

• On a Wednesday, President Donald Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia.
• Trump described this as a “big stop” and a significant step in the efforts to put economic pressure on Moscow, although he acknowledged the halt would not be immediate and would take “a little while.”

2. India’s Response by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

• The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not directly confirm or deny President Trump’s specific claim about an assurance from PM Modi.
• Instead, the MEA issued a firm statement reiterating India’s official position on its energy import policy, emphasizing that it is guided solely by national interest and energy security.
• The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated:
  • Core Priority: “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.”
  • Twin Goals: The “twin goals of our energy policy” are “Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies.”
  • Sourcing Strategy: This is achieved by “broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.”

3. Context and Background

• Russian Oil Imports: India became one of the largest buyers of Russian seaborne crude oil, second only to China, following the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia. India has consistently defended these purchases, citing the discounted prices as necessary for its energy-hungry economy and to safeguard the interests of its consumers.
• US Pressure and Tariffs: The US administration had been pressuring India to reduce its Russian oil imports, which it views as funding Moscow’s war efforts. Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian products, in part due to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
• India-US Energy Cooperation: The MEA statement also mentioned that India has sought to expand its energy procurement from the US over the years, noting that the current administration is interested in deepening energy cooperation and that discussions are ongoing. This suggests India may be open to increasing US imports, but without confirming a halt on Russian oil.