Saturday, October 18, 2025-India has dismissed President Donald Trump’s assertion that New Delhi agreed to halt its purchases of Russian oil, calling the claim “inaccurate and misleading.” Trump made the statement during a campaign rally, touting it as proof of his influence on global affairs and his ability to “bring countries in line” with American energy interests.
Indian officials, however, clarified that no such agreement exists, reaffirming that India’s oil imports are based solely on national economic and energy security priorities, not external political pressure.
Public reaction in India was swift, with opposition figures and commentators accusing Trump of using the country’s name for political theater. Indian media outlets ran critical headlines highlighting New Delhi’s independent foreign policy stance, while energy analysts noted that Russian crude remains vital to India’s refining sector, especially amid global price volatility.
In the United States, Trump’s statement drew mixed responses his supporters praised the claim as evidence of diplomatic strength, while critics accused him of fabricating foreign policy victories to boost his campaign narrative.
The exchange underscores the growing tension between U.S. political rhetoric and India’s strategic autonomy. As one of the world’s largest oil consumers, India has carefully balanced its relations with both Washington and Moscow throughout the Ukraine conflict.
By rejecting Trump’s assertion, New Delhi has reaffirmed that it will not allow itself to become a pawn in American campaign politics. The incident serves as a reminder that in an era of shifting alliances and energy insecurity, facts not political boasts continue to drive global diplomacy.
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