NEW DELHI: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated that India will no longer be purchasing oil from Russia, a statement that has sparked political controversy in New Delhi and prompted sharp criticism from the Congress Party over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter.
In a televised address from Washington, President Trump said, “India will not be buying oil from Russia anymore. We’ve made that very clear in our discussions.” The remarks come at a time when global attention remains fixed on energy geopolitics and India’s continued import of discounted Russian crude since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet responded to Trump’s comments, government officials privately emphasised that India’s energy imports are guided by national interest, affordability, and energy security, and are not influenced by any external pressure.
The Congress Party, however, seized on the issue, accusing the Modi government of maintaining an unexplained silence whenever Trump makes sweeping claims involving India’s foreign or defence policies. “Prime Minister Modi turns into a mauni baba whenever Trump speaks about India whether it’s on so-called Operation Sindoor or now on Russian oil,” Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said. “The Prime Minister owes an explanation to the people. Is India’s foreign policy now being announced from Washington?”
The Opposition further argued that the BJP government’s reluctance to issue a clear response raises questions about transparency and diplomatic consistency. “This pattern of silence damages India’s credibility and leaves citizens in confusion about the country’s real position,” Shrinate added.
Foreign policy experts, meanwhile, have urged caution in interpreting Trump’s remarks. “President Trump often uses assertive language to project strength in international affairs,” said former diplomat Anil Trigunayat. “Until there is an official statement from the Indian government or Russia, these claims should be viewed in context.”
As political debate intensifies, the Modi government faces growing calls to reaffirm India’s independent stance on energy trade and foreign policy decisions. The controversy underscores how global diplomacy and domestic politics continue to intertwine, especially when statements by foreign leaders ripple through India’s political landscape.
