Reference News, October 16 - According to TASS on October 16, the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, responded to remarks by US President Trump, stating that the Indian government's approach in the energy import sector is guided by consumer interests. Trump had said that Indian Prime Minister Modi had informed him that India was prepared to stop purchasing Russian oil.
Jaiswal stated, "India is a major importer of oil and natural gas. In the context of an unstable energy situation, safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers has always been our top priority. Our import policy is entirely subordinate to this goal."
Jaiswal added, "Ensuring stable energy prices and reliable supply are the dual objectives of our energy policy. This also includes options for expanding our energy sources and achieving diversification based on market conditions."
Regarding cooperation with the United States, the spokesperson pointed out that India has "been working for years to expand energy purchases from the US." He said, "In the past decade, this process has steadily advanced. The current (US) administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Related discussions are still ongoing."
Trump recently claimed that Modi had assured him that India would no longer purchase oil from Russia. He also said that this was not possible immediately, but the process had already started and would be completed soon.
Rajesh Agarwal, India's Chief Trade Negotiator, told reporters on the 15th that New Delhi does not rule out the possibility of doubling its procurement of US energy to reduce the US-India trade deficit and promote the negotiation of bilateral trade agreements. (Translated by Zhao Zhipeng)
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