Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the PM’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable, the spokesperson added.
Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, India has significantly increased its import of Russian crude oil available at a discounted rate. Trump had said India’s oil imports were helping fund the war.
The spokesperson said that, as previously stated, India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer.
“India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” he said.
Trump had earlier imposed an additional 25% tariff on India for its purchase of Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of bankrolling Russia’s war on Ukraine, a move India describes as unjustified because the US has not taken similar action against other countries like China that continue to procure crude from Russia.
