Modi Govt: India’s Energy Choices Driven by Consumer Needs

Responding to claims by former US President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him of halting Russian oil purchases, India has reiterated its commitment to making energy sourcing decisions based on national interests and consumer welfare. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson clarified that India’s approach to energy imports, particularly oil and gas, is guided by the need to ensure stable prices and secure supplies for its citizens amidst global market volatility. This policy necessitates a strategy of broad-basing and diversifying energy sources as appropriate. The spokesperson also highlighted the positive trajectory of India-US energy cooperation, noting that discussions are ongoing to further deepen this partnership, which has seen steady progress over the last decade. Trump’s remarks, made during a press event, suggested a personal pledge from PM Modi to cease Russian oil imports, which Trump viewed as a substantial measure to increase global pressure on Russia. He voiced his earlier objections to India’s Russian oil purchases, linking them to the prolonged conflict and its devastating human impact. India has consistently maintained that its oil imports are essential for its economic stability. In the domestic political arena, opposition parties have used Trump’s comments to launch attacks on the government, questioning its foreign policy autonomy.