. NEW DELHI: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said India’s energy security remained the government’s top priority, responding to claims by US President Donald Trump that India may stop buying Russian oil and instead source crude from countries such as the United States and Venezuela.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s decisions on oil imports are guided by national interest and evolving global conditions.“The government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of our government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India’s decisions were taken and will be taken with this in mind,” he said.His remarks came after Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil purchases as part of a broader trade understanding, and that India could increase imports from the US and possibly Venezuela. However, India has not publicly confirmed any such commitment. Jaiswal also addressed questions about Venezuela, describing it as a long-standing energy partner for India, while noting that sanctions have affected imports.“As far as Venezuela is concerned, it has been a long-standing partner for India. We were importing crude oil until 2019, after which purchases stopped due to sanctions. Imports resumed briefly between 2023 and 2024, but had to be halted again because of sanctions,” he said.He added that Indian public sector companies have existing ties in Venezuela’s energy sector and that India remains open to future options.“Indian PSUs have established partnerships with international oil companies operating in Venezuela. Consistent with our approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any crude supply options, including those from Venezuela.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLok Sabha Passes President’s Address Without PM’s Reply For The First Time Since 2004 Amid StandoffIndia Can Wait Out Trump: Ajit Doval Warned Marco Rubio Against Bullying On Trade Deal, Says ReportIndia’s AI Rise Gets Global Push As UN Chief Praises Leadership, Nvidia CEO Predicts Job Surge’No Fixed Timeline Yet’: Jaishankar Clears Air About The Process Behind India-US Trade Negotiations’India Will Decide…’: Russia Backs Delhi After US Claims PM Modi Agreed To Stop Buying Russian OilEAM Jaishankar, Marco Rubio Underscore De-Risking Supply Chains At US Critical Minerals MeetOppn Women MPs Storm Treasury Benches Amid Protests: Inside PM Modi’s Lok Sabha Speech Cancellation‘This is the era for India’: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Hails New Delhi’s Economic Rise’Agriculture, Dairy Protected’: Piyush Goyal Cheers India-US Pact; Jaishankar Meets Trump Top Aides’Insulted Sikh Community’: Hardeep Puri Slams Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitor’ Remark At Ravneet Bittu123Photostories7 animals with the strangest and weirdest eyes in the animal kingdom10 things to buy from Surajkund International Crafts Mela this year32 hours, 30,000+ trucks, ambulances frozen, families sleeping in cars: Mega Pune-Mumbai Expressway jam explainedTop 7 real estate hotspots in Greater Noida in 20266 ultra-luxury cars for women who value style and power5 costly mistakes to avoid when purchasing your first homeThe 50: From an ugly clash between Rajat Dalal and Prince Narula to Elvish Yadav’s friend Archit Kaushik physically attacking Maxtern: Highlights from the episode5 best ways to cook broccoli for maximum health benefits7 flower seeds to sow in February for a colourful garden all season5 Japanese techniques that can change your life for the better123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingNBA Trade NewsMLB Trade RumorsCardi BKayla NicoleLindsey Vonn ACL InjuryCooper DeJeanTom BradyDenver Nuggets vs Detroit PistonsWho is Mickey Lolich WifeMickey Lolich Passes Away
NEW DELHI: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said India’s energy security remained the government’s top priority, responding to claims by US President Donald Trump that India may stop buying Russian oil and instead source crude from countries such as the United States and Venezuela.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s decisions on oil imports are guided by national interest and evolving global conditions.“The government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of our government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India’s decisions were taken and will be taken with this in mind,” he said.His remarks came after Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil purchases as part of a broader trade understanding, and that India could increase imports from the US and possibly Venezuela. However, India has not publicly confirmed any such commitment. Jaiswal also addressed questions about Venezuela, describing it as a long-standing energy partner for India, while noting that sanctions have affected imports.“As far as Venezuela is concerned, it has been a long-standing partner for India. We were importing crude oil until 2019, after which purchases stopped due to sanctions. Imports resumed briefly between 2023 and 2024, but had to be halted again because of sanctions,” he said.He added that Indian public sector companies have existing ties in Venezuela’s energy sector and that India remains open to future options.“Indian PSUs have established partnerships with international oil companies operating in Venezuela. Consistent with our approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any crude supply options, including those from Venezuela.”