What Happened on the Modi–Trump Diwali Call? Russia Oil Deal Sparks Big Debate | Barkha Dutt
Modi thanks Trump for Diwali wishes; experts say warmth returns but caution India must stay firm on oil, trade, and Pakistan diplomacy.
In a recent interview led by senior journalist Barkha Dutt, experts analyzed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exchange with former US President Donald Trump, following Trump’s Diwali greetings and his claims regarding India’s reduced Russian oil imports. The discussion, featuring Ambassador Yash Sinha, Dr. Tara Kartha, and Professor Harsh V. Pant, explored what this renewed engagement means for India-US ties and the country’s foreign policy position.
The panel began by unpacking Trump’s tempered statement that India “wouldn’t buy much oil from Russia,” marking a shift from his earlier assertion that India would halt Russian oil purchases entirely. Ambassador Sinha emphasized India’s right to make decisions based on its own economic and energy needs, while Dr. Kartha pointed out that Indian refineries’ dependence on Russian crude makes a sudden switch impractical. Both agreed that a potential Indo-US trade deal could emerge soon, though with challenges in agriculture and defense sectors.
Professor Pant highlighted that while India may gradually reduce its Russian oil dependency, it cannot return to pre-Ukraine war levels overnight. He also warned that Trump’s unpredictable nature could bring fresh diplomatic challenges, despite the current cordial tone.
The discussion expanded to Trump’s comments on Pakistan, with experts asserting that Modi’s mention of terrorism in his Diwali response was a subtle yet strong message. Dutt concluded that while a sense of warmth may have returned between Modi and Trump, India must navigate carefully, balancing strategic autonomy with diplomacy amid shifting global alliances.
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