India Tiptoes Around Trump’s Latest Claims on Russian Oil Purchases

In a delicate diplomatic dance, the Indian government has carefully sidestepped US President Donald Trump's recent assertions that India would cease its purchases of Russian oil. By doing so, India aims to avoid a public spat with the United States, while also seeking to resolve a lingering trade dispute with Washington.Trump's comments, made during a press conference earlier this week, suggested that India had agreed to stop buying oil from Russia. However, the Indian government has neither confirmed nor denied the claim, instead choosing to maintain a diplomatic silence on the matter.According to sources, India's decision to tread cautiously is driven by a desire to avoid antagonizing the US, with which it has been engaged in a heated trade dispute. The Trump administration has been critical of India's trade policies, and has imposed tariffs on several Indian products. India, in turn, has been seeking to negotiate a resolution to the dispute.While India has not publicly commented on Trump's claims, officials have privately emphasized that the country's energy needs are a priority, and that it will continue to source oil from wherever it can get the best deal. India is one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, and has been a long-standing partner of Russia in the energy sector.By not directly rebutting Trump's claims, India is attempting to avoid a confrontation with the US, while also maintaining its strategic relationships with Russia. The move reflects the complex geopolitics at play, as India navigates its relationships with two of the world's most powerful nations. As the trade dispute between India and the US continues to simmer, New Delhi's careful diplomacy is likely to remain a hallmark of its engagement with Washington.