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Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines after claiming he recently spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Diwali, while also reigniting his controversial stance that India is overpaying for Russian oil. The remarks, made during a Florida campaign rally, have stirred discussions on U.S.-India relations, energy diplomacy, and Trump’s foreign policy approach ahead of the 2024 U.S. election.
Did Trump Really Talk to PM Modi on Diwali?
Trump told supporters, “I spoke to Prime Minister Modi—great guy, great friend—on Diwali. We had a wonderful talk.” However, no official confirmation has come from the Indian government. PM Modi was publicly occupied during Diwali (November 12), including at Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations.
Political analysts suggest Trump may be exaggerating his foreign leader connections to boost his campaign image. While he and Modi shared a close relationship during Trump’s presidency—evident in events like the “Howdy, Modi!” rally—such unverified claims are unusual for a former president.
Trump’s Russian Oil Claim: Does It Hold Up?
More contentious was Trump’s claim that India is being “overcharged” for Russian crude, repeating earlier criticisms. “They’re paying too much… Russia is taking advantage,” he said.
This contradicts India’s stance that discounted Russian oil has helped stabilize its economy amid global inflation. Data shows India’s Russian oil imports surged to 40% of total crude purchases in 2023 (up from 2% pre-Ukraine war), at prices $15–20 below global benchmarks.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has defended India’s purchases, stating: “Europe buys more Russian energy than India. Our priority is our people’s welfare.”
How India and the U.S. Are Reacting
- In India: Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi questioned Modi’s policies, while BJP leaders stayed silent.
- In the U.S.: The Biden administration didn’t respond, but energy experts dismissed Trump’s claims. Analyst Rachel Ziemba noted: “India is securing oil at below-market rates—it’s a smart move.”
What This Means for Future U.S.-India Relations
Trump’s comments hint at potential policy shifts if he wins in 2024, possibly affecting:
– Oil trade negotiations
– Defense deals (e.g., S-400 missile systems)
– H-1B visa policies, crucial for India’s IT sector
India has adeptly balanced relations under both Trump and Biden, but geopolitical tensions may require even sharper diplomacy ahead.
Key Takeaway
Trump’s unverified Diwali call claim and Russian oil critique highlight the fragile nature of U.S.-India ties. With the 2024 election looming, New Delhi will be watching closely—whether this is campaign rhetoric or a policy preview remains unclear.
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