Good step: Trump welcomes reports of India possibly halting Russian oil imports

United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) suggested that India may cease purchasing Russian oil, calling it "a good step" if confirmed, while India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India's energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national interests, adding that the government is unaware of any specific developments regarding Indian oil companies pausing Russian imports.

US President Trump made the remarks while answering ANI, on whether he had a number in mind for the penalties on India and if he was going to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US President said, "I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That's what I heard, I don't know if that's right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens..." says, US President Donald Trump on a question by ANI, if he had a number in mind for the penalties and if he is going to speak with PM Modi."

On Friday, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about media reports that some Indian oil companies have stopped taking oil from Russia, had said India has made clear its approach on the issue. "You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation.