India Denies the Call, Trump Insists Modi Had Guaranteed Not to Purchase Russian Oil
US President Trump claimed last week that Indian Prime Minister Modi had promised in their call to stop purchasing Russian oil. However, the Indian Foreign Ministry quickly issued a statement denying that the two heads of state had had a conversation. The Indian Foreign Ministry did not confirm or deny any changes in energy import policies, but emphasized that India's import policies are entirely guided by national interests.
However, after being "faced down" by the Indian government, Trump still insisted that he had received Modi's promise. According to a report by Reuters on October 19, Trump reiterated during an interview that Modi had told him that India would stop importing Russian oil. He also warned that if India does not reduce its purchase of Russian oil, the US will not cancel the large tariffs.
Trump said to reporters on Air Force One: "I spoke with Indian Prime Minister Modi, and he said he would not continue to purchase Russian oil."
When asked about India's denial that Modi and Trump had held a conversation, Trump responded: "If they want to say so, then they can only continue to pay the huge tariffs, and they don't want to do that."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846552591367179/
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