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The Indian Foreign Ministry has refuted the Prime Minister’s claims Narendra Modi And We chairman donald trump in which a call came New Delhi Agreement reached to stop import of Russian oil It is once again signaling its unwillingness to bow to pressure to reduce economic cooperation with Moscow.
At the weekly briefing of the Indian Foreign Ministry, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal denied that any conversation had taken place between the two leaders on this subject, while refraining from commenting further.
Mr Jaiswal on Thursday raised several questions over Mr Trump’s claims, saying, “I can say to the best of my knowledge that there was no conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump yesterday.”
It was the Indian government’s second reaction after Mr Trump said Mr Modi “assured me today” that he will not buy Russian oil, calling it a “big step”.
“I wasn’t happy with it India were buying oil, and he assured me today that he will not be buying oil from Russia,” Mr Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to Mr Modi. ”This is a big step. Now I have to get the same work done from China also.”
Mr Trump said India could not stop the shipments “immediately”, calling it “a bit of a process”, but that the process would be finished soon.
The Indian government appeared to reject the claims and said discussions with the US on Russian oil purchases were still “ongoing”.
It added that “the current US administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India” and talks are ongoing.
Given its heavy dependence on oil and gas imports, India’s policy remains guided by efforts to “protect the interests of Indian consumers in an unstable energy landscape,” it said.
Russia on Thursday said it is confident of its energy partnership with India and said it will continue.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said, referring to India, “We will continue to cooperate with our friendly partners.”
“Our energy resource is in demand, it is economically profitable and practical, and I am confident that our partners will continue to work with us, negotiate and develop energy cooperation.”
Under pressure from Western allies to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, India has tried to walk a diplomatic tightrope while maintaining its long-standing and historic ties with Russia.
Russia has been India’s largest defense supplier for decades, providing fighter jets, helicopters, submarines and missile systems. Energy relations have evolved since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
India’s continued purchases of Russian crude oil dumped by Europe at heavily discounted prices have created a crisis in India-US relations under the Trump administration.
The Trump administration imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on imports of Indian goods as a penalty for Russian energy imports, taking the total levy to 50 percent, one of the highest tariffs imposed on any country.
Meanwhile, the UK government said it would target a major Indian oil refinery after unveiling the latest round of sanctions that “continue to facilitate getting Russian oil to global markets”. India’s Nayara Energy Ltd has agreed to import 100 million barrels of Russian crude in 2024 worth more than $5 billion (£3.75 billion), British officials said.