The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a significant clarification on Friday, January 9, 2026, addressing recent comments from a United States official regarding India-US relations. The ministry confirmed a series of high-level conversations between the leaders while firmly rejecting claims about a specific trade agreement.
Official Refutation of Trade Deal Comments
In its statement, the MEA explicitly labeled the remarks made by US Commerce Secretary Lutnick concerning the status of a trade deal between India and the US as "not accurate." This direct rebuttal underscores the diplomatic precision with which New Delhi handles such sensitive matters. The ministry's intervention aimed to set the record straight and prevent any potential misinformation from influencing public or market perception.
Revealing the Diplomatic Engagement
Alongside the correction on trade, the MEA disclosed a key detail about the diplomatic engagement between the two nations' leaders. The ministry confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump held eight telephone conversations throughout the year 2025. This revelation highlights the maintained channel of direct communication at the highest level, irrespective of the broader geopolitical landscape.
India's Stance on Energy Security
The MEA's Friday statement also touched upon India's strategic approach to energy procurement. The ministry emphasized that the nation's decisions in this critical sector are guided purely by market dynamics. This principle-driven approach is fundamental to ensuring the long-term energy security for its vast population. The statement implicitly reinforces India's sovereign right to make purchasing decisions based on national interest and economic feasibility.
The twin announcements—correcting the trade narrative and revealing the frequency of leader-level talks—paint a picture of a relationship that is actively managed and complex. They demonstrate India's commitment to transparent diplomacy and its focus on securing favorable terms for its citizens in vital areas like energy.
