Modi vowed to end Russia oil buys: Trump; MEA 'unaware'

He described Modi as a “friend” and a “great leader,” adding: “We were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that lets Russia continue with this ridiculous war, where they’ve lost a million anda half people.”

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In its statement on Thursday morning, the MEA said: “India isa significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority tosafeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective. Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of ourenergy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.”

The US has reportedly made a halt in Russian oil purchases a precondition for a trade deal. An Indian delegationled by Rajesh Agrawal isin Washington negotiating remaining contentious issues. Speakingon Wednesday, Agrawal said India is looking for a “win-win solution” for both sides that would also address the “tariff issue,” with New Delhi aiming to nearly double its energy purchases from the US from $12-13 billion at present.