Shashi Tharoor News / 'India Will Make Its Own Decisions,' Tharoor Rebuts Trump's Russia Oil Claim

Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has sharply reacted to former US President Donald Trump's assertion that India would cease purchasing oil from Russia. Tharoor underscored India's sovereignty in decision-making, stating, "I don't think it's for Mr. Trump to announce India's decisions. India will make its own decisions and will announce them to the world. We don't tell the world what Mr. Trump will do. So Mr. Trump shouldn't tell us what India will do. " This strong rebuttal comes in the wake of a recent telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump.

Modi-Trump Call: Focus on Trade and Geopolitics

During their telephonic discussion on Tuesday, PM. Modi and Donald Trump primarily addressed trade issues and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, claimed, "Modi and I talked about trade. We're discussing many things, but primarily the world of trade. He's very interested in it. " Trump further added, "I spoke to Prime Minister Modi. We've a very good relationship, and he's not going to be buying much oil from Russia. He wants to see the Russia-Ukraine war end as much as I do. He's cut down on oil purchases a lot, and he's cutting it down further. "

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: On US President Trump’s statement over purchase of Russian oil by India, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "I don't really think it's appropriate for Mr Trump to be making announcements about India's decisions. I think India will make… pic.twitter.com/jNqkldR8qs

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2025

India's Consistent Stance

It's important to note that Trump had made a similar claim last week, stating that Modi had informed him of India's decision to stop buying Russian oil, while however, India had then clarified that no such discussion took place between the two leaders. Following the recent call, Prime Minister Modi thanked Trump on social media platform. 'X', writing, "Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. May our two great democracies continue to be a beacon of hope to the world on this festival of lights and stand united against all forms of terrorism. " An official statement indicated that PM Modi reiterated India's strong commitment to strengthen. The India-US partnership, combat terrorism, and enhance international cooperation, reinforcing India's independent foreign policy.