India rejects Trump’s claim of speaking to Modi on Russian oil

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday denied any record of a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, rejecting the latter’s claim that Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders.”

That denial followed earlier statements from New Delhi emphasizing that India’s oil imports are guided by its own imperative to protect consumers and ensure supply stability.

In its first response of the day, the ministry said India is a “significant importer of oil and gas,” and it must prioritize safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer in volatile energy markets.

It added that import policy is “guided entirely” by such objectives and that India seeks to diversify sources, including discussions with the US to bring in more American crude where feasible.

Trump’s claim had surfaced a day earlier in Washington.

During a media interaction on Wednesday, he said: “So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”

He continued: “You can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but that process will be over with soon.”

Trump also praised Modi in characteristic fashion, saying: “He’s a great man. He loves Trump. I like him too.”

He then added with a laugh: “I don’t want to destroy his political career.”

India and Russia were also quick to respond to the unfolding exchange.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who handles energy matters, said Moscow was confident the energy partnership with India would continue.

He called Russian supply “economically advantageous and practical,” adding that he expected cooperation with friendly partners to develop further.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said Moscow would rely on “official statements” from India and China regarding oil purchases, implicitly rejecting President Trump’s version of Modi’s assurances.

The episode takes place amid simmering diplomacy over energy trade and tariffs.

Since August, the Trump administration has imposed a 50% reciprocal tariff on numerous Indian goods, explicitly citing India’s continued Russian oil imports as the rationale.

Washington has linked any easing of those duties to New Delhi making visible cuts in oil purchases from Moscow.

Over the past three years, India has emerged as a key buyer of Russian crude, particularly after Western nations imposed sanctions and restrictions on Moscow.

Russian barrels often offer deep discounts that make them tempting to Indian refiners.

As of 2025, Russian supplies account for a sizable share of India’s crude imports.

Refiners in India reportedly are preparing for potential reductions in Russian supply, though no government mandate exists at present.

Reuters reported that some refiners plan to reduce imports from December, since November programs are locked. But they emphasize the decisions are commercial, not political.