India Rebuffs Trump on Oil, Asserts “National Interest” as Russia Pushes Defense

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a firm statement prioritizing national interest in its energy policy, following claims by Donald Trump that New Delhi would cease buying Russian oil. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that “safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer” is the government’s top priority.
Trump had claimed at the White House that Prime Minister Modi “assured” him of a stop to Russian oil purchases. However, Jaiswal’s clarification underscored that India’s energy imports are “guided entirely by this objective” of consumer welfare in a volatile market.
Russia’s Ambassador, Denis Alipov, supported India’s stance, stating that Russian oil supplies are “very beneficial” for the Indian economy. He affirmed that both India and the US are “independent in their decisions.”
Simultaneously, Alipov unveiled a major defense push, reaffirming military ties. He highlighted that 70 percent of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin and pointed to the success of joint ventures like BrahMos missiles and Su-30 MKI jets.
This defense overture included proposals for future projects, such as the Su-57 fighter, drones, and anti-drone systems. This dual approach of highlighting beneficial oil trade and deep defense ties appears calculated to reinforce the partnership amid US pressure.