Trump’s bold claim about India and Russian oil paintings has created a political stir
President Donald Trump recently captioned his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil paintings. The statement, made at a White House press conference, sparked backlash at all three centers and sparked a new debate over India’s energy strategy.
Briefing Trump on what he actually said, Trump said that Modi had promised him that India would “not buy oil paintings from Russia.” He described the Indian leader as a “great friend” and suggested that the move would bring India closer to US prospects in the Ukraine conflict. Trump indicated that the process would be gradual but had already begun.
In a lighter moment, Trump joked about not wanting to “destroy Modi’s political career” while promoting his talks with India’s designated US minister. Although it was meant humorously, the comment sparked considerable debate in Indian political circles.
India’s sanctioned response India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly reacted to Trump’s claims. Foreign Minister Randhir Jaiswal has clarified that there has been no recent exchange of views between Modi and Trump and no such assurance has been given.
Our vested interests and the interests of our citizens drive India’s oil policy,” Jaiswal stressed. “Protecting the interests of Indian consumers is our top priority.”
The Ministry of External Affairs also noted that while India continues to expand energy cooperation with the United States, it maintains its oil policy from Russia, which is based on independent considerations aimed at stabilizing domestic energy demand.
Political backlash intensifies
The opposition has not held back in its criticism. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of being “Trump-crazy”, pointing to the government’s initial silence on the claims. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called for a clear government response, describing the silence on a sensitive political issue as “a form of treason”.
Russia’s Significance Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov has backed energy cooperation, saying that Russian oil policy exports “are a boon for Indian frugality and the people’s interests”. .” He stressed that Russia does not interfere in India-US bilateral talks, while also reiterating the strength of Moscow-New Delhi energy cooperation.
The bigger picture highlights India’s ongoing balancing act among major powers. Trump’s remarks come amid heated trade rhetoric, including imposing a $50 billion tariff on Indian imports, double the previous rate, and a painting of Russian oil being loosely linked to India’s purchases.
The situation highlights the complex intersection of energy politics, trade policy and political relations in the current multipolar world. As global energy dynamics evolve, India is facing additional pressure to navigate its traditional connections and new strategic alignments.
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