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MEA denies any phone call between PM Modi and Trump about India stopping Russian oil purchases, countering Trump's claim made in Washington
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said there was no phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, countering Trump’s claim that Modi had assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia.
Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “On the question of whether there was a conversation or a telephone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders."
#WATCH | Delhi | On US President Trump’s statement over purchase of Russian oil by India, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “… On the question of whether there was a conversation or a telephone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, I am not aware of any… — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2025
Trump, while speaking to reporters in Washington on Wednesday, had claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would not buy Russian oil, stating, “Modi assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’ve got to get China to do the same thing."
In a separate statement released earlier today, Jaiswal said India’s oil import policies are based on national interest and the needs of Indian consumers.
“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," he said.
He added that India’s focus remains on ensuring “stable energy prices and secured supplies", and that this approach includes “broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions."
Jaiswal also noted that India has steadily increased its energy cooperation with the United States over the last decade. “The current Administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing," he said.
India, one of the world’s largest importers of crude oil, depends on foreign sources for more than 85% of its energy needs. While it traditionally relied on oil from the Middle East, India began purchasing more discounted Russian crude from 2022 onwards, after Western sanctions on Moscow opened new opportunities for buyers.
New Delhi has defended these purchases, citing its need to maintain affordable and stable energy access for its large population. Russia remains a longstanding partner of India, especially in areas like defence and energy.
(With inputs from agencies)
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