India won’t stop purchasing Russian oil

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said yesterday that maintaining sufficient energy flows remains the “supreme priority” of the government, and that “[a]ll of India’s decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind.” United States President Donald Trump claimed Monday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made several trade agreements with the U.S., including “to stop buying Russian oil.” Other Western officials responded positively to the claim, since Indian purchases of Russian oil are largely financing the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. But Jaiswal’s statement contradicts Trump’s statement and indicates that, despite any arrangements with the U.S., real or fictitious, India is allying more closely with Russia.