New Delhi, October 16, 2025: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump about a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Russian oil imports.
The MEA clarified that no such conversation took place, despite Trump’s public statement suggesting otherwise.
MEA Statement: No Modi-Trump Phone Call on Russian Oil
During a White House event, President Trump claimed, “Modi assured me today that India will stop buying oil from Russia.”
However, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded firmly: “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders.”
This statement was echoed across multiple Indian news outlets including NewsBytes and Times of India.
India’s Russian Oil Imports: The Bigger Picture
India is currently the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, behind China. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India imported over 1.5 million barrels per day of Russian crude in 2024.
The MEA emphasized that India’s energy policy is guided by national interests, focusing on price stability, supply security, and diversification—not external pressure.
JUST IN: There was no phone call between PM Modi and Trump about stopping the purchase of Russian oil – MEA spokesperson 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/4PiqiNjlzF
— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) October 16, 2025
Trump’s Claim and Global Reactions
Trump’s remarks also included plans to pressure China to reduce Russian oil purchases, calling it “relatively easy compared to what we did in the Middle East.” His comments have sparked debate among analysts, with many questioning the accuracy and timing of his statements amid rising global oil prices and ongoing tensions over the Ukraine conflict.
Meanwhile, India continues to defend its energy strategy. “Our decisions are independent and strategic,” said Jaiswal, reinforcing that India will not compromise its domestic energy needs based on foreign influence.
Key Import Figures
- August 2025: India imported 2 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude
- This made up 38% of India’s total crude imports that month
- Imports rose from 1.6 million bpd in July, showing a clear upward trend
- April–September 2025 (H1 FY):
- Imports averaged 1.75 million bpd
- This was down 8.4% year-over-year, due to tighter discounts and supply constraints
- September 2025:
- Volume held steady at 1.6 million bpd, but was 14.2% lower than September 2024
Who’s Buying?
- Private refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy ramped up Russian oil purchases
- State-run refiners reduced their intake, likely due to diplomatic pressure and tariff concerns