Trump’s Claim That PM Modi Will Stop Buying Russian Oil: India Responds, Global Markets React

The Breaking Story: What Did Trump Say?

In a striking claim that sent ripples across international markets and diplomatic circles, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia.

During an interaction with reporters, Trump remarked:

“Prime Minister Modi told me India won’t be buying oil from Russia anymore. He’s a great man and loves me — but he also doesn’t want to ruin his career,”

The statement, although partly couched in humor, sparked serious global discussions, especially given India’s dependence on discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began in 2022.

🇮🇳 India’s Official Response: “Our Priority Is Consumer Interest”

Within hours, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a cautious but firm clarification.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

“India’s energy imports are guided by our national interests and the need to safeguard consumer interests. We maintain a diversified energy basket and will continue to do so.”

The government emphasized that India buys oil from multiple sources, and Russian oil has been a crucial factor in stabilizing domestic fuel prices.

🛢️ Market Impact: Oil Prices Jump, Rupee Strengthens Slightly

Following Trump’s remarks, global oil prices rose by nearly 2%, with Brent crude trading above $87 per barrel.

According to Bloomberg and Reuters, traders are now pricing in a possible disruption in India-Russia oil trade, which currently accounts for over 34% of India’s total crude imports.

The Indian rupee, however, showed resilience, strengthening slightly against the U.S. dollar amid expectations of a possible rise in U.S.-India trade cooperation in the energy sector.

⚙️ Russia’s Reaction: Calm, Strategic, and Defiant

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed Trump’s claims as “politically motivated statements.”

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov clarified:

“Our energy relationship with India is based entirely on mutual benefit and national interest. We do not interfere in third-country politics.”

Russia’s Deputy PM Alexander Novak added that Russia is confident of continuing energy cooperation with India, calling it “a long-term partnership.”

🏛️ Political Reactions Within India

The comments set off a storm in Indian politics:

• Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on PM Modi, saying:

  “Modi is frightened of Trump. The Prime Minister must explain whether India’s energy independence is now subject to American approval.”

• BJP leaders hit back, accusing the Congress of “insulting India’s global image.”
  BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said:

  “Rahul Gandhi neither respects nor trusts India’s leadership. The PM acts in India’s interest — not under any foreign pressure.”

• Jairam Ramesh sarcastically tweeted:

  “Yahan se tareef, wahan se tariffs. Trump’s friendship always comes at a price.”

🌐 Global Diplomatic Implications

Trump’s statement comes at a time when:

• Russia is India’s largest oil supplier, offering deep discounts.

• The U.S. has been urging India to reduce dependence on Moscow and buy more American oil and LNG.

• Europe, despite its rhetoric, continues to import Russian refined products indirectly — a point highlighted by Indian commentators.

Analysts at The Diplomat and Financial Times noted that Trump’s comments could be part of a larger geopolitical strategy aimed at reshaping the global oil market and exerting pressure on China and Russia simultaneously.

🔍 What Do the Numbers Say?

According to NDTV and Business Today reports:

• In September 2025, India imported 2.5 billion euros worth of Russian oil,

• But imports fell 45% month-on-month, signaling gradual diversification.

• U.S. oil exports to India have surged nearly 30% this year.

• Russian oil still constitutes around one-third of India’s total imports.

This suggests India is balancing between geopolitical pragmatism and energy security.

🧭 Expert Opinions

Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal cautioned against taking Trump’s statements literally:

“Trump often gives self-serving interpretations. India’s foreign policy is not dictated by personality politics.”

Economist Radhika Rao from DBS Bank said:

“Even a partial cut in Russian imports could tighten global oil supply and raise prices by $5–7 per barrel.”

💬 Public Sentiment and Media Reactions

Indian social media lit up with reactions ranging from amusement to concern.
Some users praised Modi for “balancing diplomacy,” while others accused Trump of “playing global oil politics.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian and BBC reported that India’s gradual phase-out, if true, could be “a bit of a process,” implying no immediate halt to Russian imports.

🔄 The Road Ahead: What Happens Next?

While Trump’s remarks may be politically loaded, they have forced a global conversation about energy dependence and strategic alignment.

For India, the challenge lies in:

• Maintaining affordable energy prices,

• Avoiding Western sanctions, and

• Preserving its strategic partnership with Russia.

Experts believe India will continue to diversify sources — increasing purchases from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — while keeping discounted Russian barrels as a fallback.

🧩 Conclusion: Between Friendship and Fuel Security

Donald Trump’s claim about PM Modi’s assurance has undoubtedly stirred the global oil markets and diplomatic corridors. But India’s stance remains clear — energy policy is driven by national interest, not political persuasion.

As the Ukraine war, U.S.-China rivalry, and Middle East tensions continue, India’s ability to maintain strategic autonomy in oil trade will define its energy and foreign policy for the next decade.