Our Top Priority Is Energy Security’: India Responds to Trump’s Claim on Russian Oil

New Delhi | 5 Feb 2026 India has reacted cautiously to US President Donald Trump’s claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil. Shortly after the announcement of the India–US trade deal, Trump said India would shift away from Russian crude and instead invest in Venezuelan oil, sparking fresh debate on India’s energy strategy. Responding to the claim, the Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that India’s decisions will continue to be guided by national interest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that meeting the energy needs of India’s vast population remains the government’s main concern, especially given the current global situation in the energy sector. “In so far as India's energy security or sourcing is concerned, the government has publicly on several occasions, including me here, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion is the supreme priority of the government,” Jaiswal said during a press conference. He stressed that India’s approach is practical and driven by real-world conditions rather than political pressure. He further added, “Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind.” The statement suggests that while India remains open to diversifying its energy imports, it has not confirmed any specific commitment to stop buying Russian oil, as claimed by ‘Our Top Priority Is Energy Security’: India Responds to Trump’s Claim on Russian Oil India has responded to US President Donald Trump’s statement that the country has agreed to stop buying Russian oil after the India–US trade deal. The remark created buzz internationally, with Trump also claiming that India would turn towards Venezuelan oil instead. Indian officials, however, have avoided confirming any such shift. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that India’s energy choices are driven by the needs of its people and not by outside pressure. Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that securing energy for the country remains the government’s main focus amid changing global conditions. “In so far as India's energy security or sourcing is concerned, the government has publicly on several occasions, including me here, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion is the supreme priority of the government,” Jaiswal said, making India’s position clear. He further explained the broader approach, saying, “Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind.” The statement signals that India will continue to act in line with its long-term interests.