NewKerala.com

Shashi Tharoor Slams Trump: "Don't Announce India's Russia Oil Decisions"

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly criticised US President Donald Trump. Tharoor stated it is inappropriate for Trump to announce India's decisions regarding Russian oil imports. This comes after Trump claimed India would significantly reduce its Russian oil purchases by year-end. India has since denied any such agreement, prioritising its own energy security and consumer interests.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Criticises Trump Over Russia Oil Import Claims

  • Tharoor questions Trump's authority to announce India's energy policy decisions
  • Trump claimed India would cut Russian oil imports to almost nothing
  • India denies any formal agreement to phase out Russian oil imports
  • US tariffs on Indian goods add context to the diplomatic friction
2 min read

Trump shouldn't tell what India will do: Shashi Tharoor criticises US President's Russia oil claims

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor rebukes US President Trump for announcing India's oil policy, asserting New Delhi makes its own decisions.

"I think Trump should not be telling the world what India will do. - Shashi Tharoor"

Thiruvananthapuram, October 23

As US President Donald Trump claimed that India will significantly reduce Russian oil imports by year-end, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday hit back by criticising him for making announcements on behalf of New Delhi.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor asked President Trump not to announce India's decisions to the world, as New Delhi does not speak for Washington DC.

The Congress MP said, "I don't really think it's appropriate for Trump to be making announcements about India's decisions. I think India will make announcements about its decisions. We don't tell the world what Trump will do. I think Trump should not be telling the world what India will do."

Earlier on Wednesday (US local time), US President Donald Trump claimed that India will significantly reduce Russian oil imports by year-end, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance.

President Trump also said that the process of phasing out Russian oil imports will be 'gradual, claiming that India will bring it "down to almost nothing" by the end of the year.

"India, as you know, told me that they would stop. It is a process; you can't just stop it. But by the end of the year, they will be down to almost nothing. That's a big thing, that is almost 40 per cent of the oil. India has been great. Spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday and they have been absolutely great," President Trump said during an interaction with press persons in the White House, while hosting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

However, India denies any agreement, emphasising its priority to safeguard consumer interests. The country's energy policy prioritises stable prices and secure supplies.

This comes in the backdrop of Trump imposing 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, urging New Delhi to diversify energy sources.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
But let's be practical - we need affordable oil for our economy. Russian oil has been saving us billions. Should we pay more just to please America? 🤔
M
Michael C
As someone working in the energy sector, this is concerning. We've built reliable supply chains with Russia. Sudden changes could disrupt fuel prices for common people.
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, while I agree with Tharoor's point about sovereignty, I wish our political leaders would focus more on domestic issues rather than international spats. We have enough problems at home.
V
Vikram M
Trump imposing 50% tariffs while telling us what to do? This is pure hypocrisy. India should stand firm on its energy security needs. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
The timing is interesting - right after tariffs were imposed. Feels like pressure tactics. Hope our government maintains strategic autonomy in foreign policy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50