India Has Not Ordered Halt to Russian Oil Imports, Say Reports Amid Trump Criticism.
Amid fresh criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump over India’s energy ties with Moscow, Russian media has reported that the Indian government has issued no directive to domestic refiners to stop buying oil from Russia or to seek alternative suppliers.
“The government did not ask refineries to stop buying Russian oil,” Russian state-run agency TASS reported, citing a government source. The report added that no instructions were issued to replace Russian crude with imports from other sources either.
Indian Refineries Still Sourcing Russian Oil
Separately, Indian news agency ANI, citing official sources, reported that Indian refiners continue to purchase Russian crude. “Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics, and other economic factors,” a source familiar with the matter said.
The statements come amid global speculation triggered by Trump’s remarks suggesting India might be reconsidering its energy ties with Russia.
Trump’s Remarks Spark Diplomatic Buzz
On Friday, Trump claimed he had heard India would stop buying Russian oil, calling it a “good step”—though he admitted uncertainty over the claim. “I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard, I don’t know if that’s right or not,” he said while speaking to reporters. “That is a good step. We’ll see what happens.”
India Responds: Energy Policy Guided by Market Forces
In response to media reports and political commentary, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated on Friday that India’s energy decisions are guided by market dynamics and national interest.
“In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and by the prevailing global circumstances,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country.”
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