# “Modi assured me he will stop buying Russian oil. India replies: ‘Nobody said anything, stop lying.’”

> India on Thursday denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi assured him New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil, saying no phone call took place. The MEA emphasized India’s energy decisions focus on consumer…

Published: 2026-09-16 · Desk: Latest · Source: The Tatva India

India on Thursday firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil, stating there was no phone call between the two leaders yesterday.

In a media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a statement had already been issued in response to Trump’s remarks and confirmed, “As far as a telephone or conversation between the two leaders, there was no call yesterday.”

Trump had claimed on Wednesday during a White House briefing that PM Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil imports, calling it “a big step” in efforts to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine war. He said he had expressed concern about India continuing to buy Russian crude, which Washington argued helped fund President Vladimir Putin’s war, adding, “I was not happy that India was buying oil.”

Without directly addressing Trump, the MEA reiterated that India’s energy decisions are guided by consumer interests. The government emphasized that its energy policy aims to maintain stable prices and secure supply, and decisions are made accordingly.

Since the Ukraine conflict began, Western powers—especially the US—have repeatedly criticized India’s purchase of Russian oil. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has explained India’s stance, saying it is focused on securing the best deal for its citizens. He also highlighted the West’s double standards, noting, “Europe’s problems are not the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are Europe’s problems.”

India’s continued import of Russian oil has also been cited as one reason behind Trump’s tariff measures against New Delhi.

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