Srinagar, Aug. 1 -- At a press briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declined to comment on Trump's remarks, saying tersely, "I have no comments to offer in this matter." However, in a subtle yet pointed response, Jaiswal stressed that India's energy policy is dictated solely by market realities and national interest, not external pressures or political rhetoric.

"In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and by the prevailing global circumstances," he said.

Without naming Trump directly, Jaiswal reiterated that India's relationship with Russia is "steady and time-tested," emphasizing that its partnerships are evaluated on merit and not influenced by "thi...