MEA says ‘no phone call between Modi, Trump’ India refutes Trump claim on Russia oil purchase
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US president Donald Trump on Thursday had claimed that, during a telephonic conversation, PM Narendra Modi “assured” him that India won’t be buying oil from Russia.
India on Thursday refuted claims made by US President Donald Trump of having a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after row over Russian oil purchase.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders had no phone call on Wednesday when asked about Trump’s claim that India would stop buying Russian Oil.
“On the question of whether there was a conversation or a telephone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders,” he said during the weekly media briefing here.
“Regarding the comment from the US on the energy issue, we have already issued a statement, which you can refer to,” Jaiswal told the media persons.
Trump’s statement, made to reporters in Washington on Wednesday, seemed to claim credit for influencing India’s energy policy, saying, “I was not happy that India was buying oil (from Russia). And he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big stop.”
The claim triggered a swift and multifaceted response. India’s Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed its sovereign right to shape its energy policy based on national interests, stated that “India is a significant importer of oil and gas” and that its “consistent priority” remains safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers amid a highly volatile global energy market.
The government emphasized that its import policies are driven by the twin goals of stable energy prices and secure supplies, with diversification and broad-based sourcing as key pillars.
MEA spokesperson during the weekly media briefing said the two leaders spoke on October 9, where Prime Minister Modi congratulated Trump on the success of the Gaza peace plan.
“Well, the telephone call happened between the Prime Minister and President Trump. It was a call where he also congratulated President Trump on the success of the Gaza peace plan and they also reviewed the progress in trade negotiations and they also agreed to stay in touch. So, this was the readout that was given post the telephone call. So, that is where it is,” he said.
On being asked about the probability of PM Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, Jaiswal said the list of visitors and engagements will be announced later.
“First let us announce the visit at the appropriate time, thereafter, we’ll update you with what programme is there, what are the issues, what are the meetings that will form part of our engagement, but first please wait for the announcement of our participation in the ASEAN summit,” he said.
On the energy sourcing, Jaiswal said India’s stance is as per the statement issued earlier in the day.
“I would again request all of you to look at the statement carefully. What we have had to say we have already said and I would urge that you know you have a look at the statement and you know all the issues from as far as we are concerned it is there for you to see how we approached the issue,” he added.
