India rejected America’s claims in which Trump had said that PM Modi had agreed not to buy oil from Russia. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Government of India has publicly said many times that ensuring energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the biggest priority of our government. He said that we diversify our energy purchases according to market conditions and changing international circumstances.
India can buy oil from any country: MEA
The Foreign Ministry said, ‘We can buy oil from any country in the world as per our need. The decision will be taken in national interest. All decisions of India have been and will be taken keeping this in mind. Russia also said that energy cooperation with India will continue. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, ‘There is no change in India’s attitude. Our trade is beneficial for both the countries.
What did India say about purchasing oil from Venezuela?
Regarding buying oil from Venezuela, the Foreign Ministry said that Venezuela has been our long-time partner in the fields of energy, trade and investment. Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘We were importing energy and crude oil from Venezuela till 2019-20, after which we had to stop it. Then we started buying oil from Venezuela in 2023-24, but we had to stop it after the sanctions were reimposed.
Foreign Ministry’s reaction on India-US trade deal
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, ‘PM Modi spoke to President Trump on phone and thanked the US President for the reduction in tariffs. PM said that now Made-in-India products will be exported to America at 18 percent lower tariff. This trade agreement will boost our exports. This will give a big boost to labour-intensive industries in India. New employment opportunities will be created and there will be growth and prosperity for our people.
MEA statement on Indian sailors stranded in Iran
Regarding the 16 Indians held captive in Iran, the External Affairs Ministry said, ‘We have received permission to meet 16 sailors in Iran. Our officials have met him in Bandar Abbas. According to Iranian officials, eight of those 16 people have been released and are returning home. We are in touch with Iranian authorities regarding the remaining eight. We will see how we can best help them.
Also read: ‘What happened yesterday was like a black spot’, Speaker Om Birla claims – Anything could have happened to the PM.
