India Denies Trump's Claim of Modi Call on Russian Oil, Cites No Recent Conversation Between Leaders

India has vehemently denied recent assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that there had been a reported telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on halting Russian oil imports. Speaking at a public engagement, Trump had asserted that Modi assured him that India would refrain from importing oil from Russia, calling it a great victory for global pressure on Moscow.

But India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that such a discussion did not take place. MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated, "I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders." The ministry maintained that India's energy decisions are influenced by national interest and the consumer's needs rather than by pressure from abroad.

India is among Russia's largest importers of crude oil following China. India imported over 1.5 million barrels per day in 2024, according to recent data indicates. The MEA reiterated that its policy on energy is to acquire cheap and reliable supplies for its people.

This diplomatic pushback comes in the context of stepped-up global criticism of energy ties with Russia amid the present war in Ukraine. While the U.S. has pursued reduced Russian energy imports globally, India has pursued a pragmatic strategy, weighing geopolitical compulsions against national energy requirements.

The denial is indicative of India's commitment to sovereign decision-making and signifies that public statements, even by authoritative officials, will be met with reality-based facts when appropriate.