‘Our Top Priority Is Energy Security’: India’s First Response to Trump’s Claim on Russian Oil Purchases

Amid claims by US President Donald Trump that India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil as part of a newly announced India-US trade deal, the Indian government on Thursday reiterated that New Delhi’s energy strategy will continue to prioritise its 1.4 billion people and evolving global market dynamics.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that ensuring India’s energy security remains the government’s “supreme priority,” while emphasising the need to diversify energy sources “in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics.” He added that all decisions taken by New Delhi will be guided by these considerations.

Trump’s Claim on Halting Russian Oil Imports

Donald Trump had earlier this week proclaimed on social media that India agreed to halt purchases of Russian crude and instead buy more oil from the United States and potentially Venezuela, framing it as part of a broader trade understanding. Trump suggested this move would help efforts around the ongoing war in Ukraine and strengthen bilateral economic ties.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the tariff reduction component of the India-US trade deal — with US tariffs on Indian goods cut from around 50 per cent to 18 per cent — New Delhi has not publicly confirmed any commitment to stop buying Russian oil.

Kremlin, Experts Say No Official Indian Commitment

Russia has also pushed back against the idea that India has pledged to cease Russian oil imports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow has received no official communication from New Delhi about ending such purchases, noting that India is “free to buy oil from any country it chooses” and that its diversification efforts are longstanding and not new.

Energy analysts say while Indian refiners may reduce dependency on Russian crude over time, an immediate ban is unlikely. Contracts already in place and the sheer volume of oil involved mean any transition would be gradual.

India Open to Venezuelan and Other Oil Sources

Responding to reporters, Jaiswal also said India remains open to purchasing oil from Venezuela and other markets based on commercial viability, reaffirming that sourcing decisions are driven by economic and strategic imperatives rather than external political pressure.

Trade Deal Still Being Finalised

The broader India-US trade agreement has lowered tariffs and expanded market access, and both sides say the deal is in the final stages. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said the agreement is being “papered,” with a joint statement expected soon. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also confirmed ongoing work to finalise details.

As the story develops, attention will remain on whether India’s energy procurement strategy shifts materially in response to geopolitical pressures and commercial trends in the global oil market.