Government cites national interest and energy security amid US tariff threats and misinformation
India has refuted former US President Donald Trump’s claim that it has stopped purchasing oil from Russia, asserting that Indian refiners continue sourcing Russian crude based on economic and strategic factors. The clarification came shortly after Trump, speaking to reporters, said he had heard India would no longer buy oil from Russia — calling it “a good step, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.”
Sources quoted by news agency ANI emphasized that Indian oil companies continue to buy from Russian suppliers, with decisions driven by parameters such as price, crude grade, logistics, and inventory requirements. “Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors,” said sources.
They further pointed out Russia’s vital role in global energy supply — as the second-largest crude producer and exporter, with 9.5 million barrels per day in output. Its continued presence in global markets is essential for price stability. India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, depends on imports for 85% of its crude oil needs. In this context, sources said India adjusted its energy strategy to ensure affordable and uninterrupted supplies while complying with international norms.
India reaffirms commitment to affordable energy access and global trade stability, rejects Trump’s tariff-linked claims as inaccurate and politically motivated
Trump’s remarks were made amid rising trade tensions, following the White House’s announcement of 25% tariffs on exports from around 70 countries, including India. However, no mention was made of any additional penalties tied to India’s defense or energy ties with Russia, which Trump has repeatedly criticized.
At a routine media briefing on Friday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s pragmatic approach. “We take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time,” he said, while declining to confirm or deny specific reports of halted Russian oil imports.
On Truth Social, Trump went further, accusing India of high tariffs, protectionist trade policies, and deep ties with Russia in defense and energy. He claimed India “is Russia’s largest buyer of energy,” and declared that it would face a 25% tariff “plus a penalty” starting August 1 — a claim not backed by the official White House statement.
In another Truth Social post, Trump added, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care… Let’s keep it that way.”
India, however, continues to prioritize economic stability, energy affordability, and strategic autonomy in global trade decisions — irrespective of political rhetoric from foreign leaders.
