Trump Criticizes India’s Russian Oil Purchases
Washington, DC, October 20: US President Donald Trump has continued to express concerns over India’s decision to buy oil from Russia. On Sunday, during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, he suggested that India would face higher tariffs if it persisted in its imports from Moscow.
When asked about India’s claims regarding a recent conversation between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump asserted, “If they’re denying it, then they’ll keep paying a lot of tariffs. I don’t believe they said that. I spoke with Prime Minister Modi, and he mentioned he wouldn’t engage in buying Russian oil.”
He cautioned, “If India chooses to deny this, they’ll continue to face significant tariffs, which they surely want to avoid.”
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs of India clarified on Thursday that there had been no recent phone call between Modi and Trump. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that he had no knowledge of such a conversation occurring.
Jaiswal pointed out that the last discussion between the two leaders took place on October 9, during which they talked about various issues, including the Gaza peace plan and trade negotiations.
He further noted, “Our energy sourcing decisions are driven by national interests and the need to safeguard Indian consumers. I encourage everyone to closely examine our official statements on the matter.”
Trump’s comments reflect ongoing international pressure on nations to lessen their energy ties with Russia, especially following the escalating conflict in Ukraine, which many Western countries attribute to Moscow’s military activities.
India has reiterated that its energy policies are determined by its own interests and the welfare of its people.
