NEW DELHI: Following US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised not to purchase Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement emphasizing that the government’s primary focus is to protect the interests of Indian citizens.

On Wednesday evening (local time), Trump said during a joint press briefing with FBI Director Kash Patel in the Oval Office that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances that India would cease buying oil from Russia, calling it “a major stride” toward ramping up international pressure on Moscow.

The US president said India may not be able to cut the procurement immediately, but the process has started. He told reporters that Modi has assured there will be no oil purchases from Russia. "It (process) has started. He can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon," the US president said.

The MEA note stated, “India relies heavily on oil and gas imports. Our top priority has always been to protect Indian consumers in a fluctuating energy market. Our import decisions are driven solely by this goal.”

The statement further noted, “Our energy policy aims to ensure stable energy prices and secure supplies. This involves diversifying our energy sources and adapting to market conditions as needed.”

Regarding the United States, the MEA noted that the Trump administration has expressed keen interest in bolstering energy collaboration with New Delhi. “In the case of the US, we have long aimed to broaden our energy acquisitions. This has seen consistent growth over the past ten years. The present US administration has indicated a desire to further enhance energy ties with India. Negotiations continue,” the MEA remarked.

Meanwhile, opposition leader from the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, took a swipe at PM Modi over the US President’s claim. Gandhi said in a post on X, “PM Modi is frightened of Trump. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs. Cancelled the Finance Minister’s visit to America. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. Doesn’t contradict him on Operation Sindoor.”