Reliance denies report of Mukesh Ambani meeting Donald Trump on September 12

A Reliance spokesperson dismissed reports of a planned Ambani-Trump meeting as “entirely speculative,” amid growing Western scrutiny over India’s Russian oil imports, which surged to 50% at Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery in 2025, up from just 3% in 2021

Reliance Industries has categorically denied media reports suggesting that its Chairman, Mukesh Ambani, is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on September 12. The clarification follows earlier claims by Business World that Ambani would hold talks with Trump, facilitated in part by Ivanka Trump, potentially laying the groundwork for a broader US-India trade pact.

A spokesperson for Reliance confirmed there is no such meeting planned, calling the reports “entirely speculative.” The statement comes amid heightened attention on India’s energy ties with Russia and the United States' stance on the issue.

Rising Russian oil imports put spotlight on Reliance

The controversy surfaces at a time when India’s import of Russian crude oil — particularly by Reliance — is drawing criticism from Western policymakers. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery sourced 50% of its crude oil from Russia in 2025, a dramatic increase from just 3% in 2021. Between January and July 2025 alone, the company imported 18.3 million tonnes of Russian crude, worth $8.7 billion — a 64% rise year-on-year.

President Trump, in a July 30 post on Truth Social, criticized the growing energy ties between India and Russia, saying, “Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine – all things not good!”

India stands firm on energy policy; trade talks progress

Despite international pressure, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman affirmed on September 5 that India will continue purchasing Russian oil, stating that the country must prioritize energy affordability and stability.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism about concluding a trade deal with the United States by November. Speaking on September 3, Goyal noted that India is also advancing trade negotiations with the EU and has already sealed agreements with several key partners, including Australia, the UK, and the UAE.