Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sharply reacted to US President Donald Trump’s statement claiming that India would stop buying oil from Russia. Tharoor said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for Mr. Trump to announce India’s decisions. India will make its own decisions and let the world know. We don’t tell the world what Mr. Trump will do. Therefore, Mr. Trump shouldn’t tell India what he will do either.” Tharoor’s statement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday.
“We’re primarily discussing trade.”
PM Modi and Trump discussed trade issues during their conversation. The US has imposed a heavy 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, which has strained relations between the two countries. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “Modi and I talked about trade. We’re discussing many things, but primarily the world of trade. He’s taking a lot of interest in it.” Trump further said, “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi. We have a very good relationship, and he will not buy more oil from Russia. He wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end as much as I do. He has significantly reduced oil purchases and is continuing to do so.”
Trump made a similar claim last week.
Last week, Trump claimed that Modi told him that India would stop buying Russian oil, but India clarified that no such conversation took place between the two leaders. Prime Minister Modi thanked Trump on the social media platform X, writing, “President Trump, thank you for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may both great democracies continue to be a beacon of hope to the world and stand united against terrorism in all its forms.” According to an official statement, PM Modi emphasized the strength of the India-US partnership and reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing international cooperation.
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