Claim
Social media posts claim that actor-politician Kamal Haasan wrote an open letter to Donald Trump telling the US President to “mind your business” and asserting that India does not take orders from foreign governments regarding its oil purchases.
Verdict
True
What Is Being Circulated
Posts circulating on platforms such as X claim that Kamal Haasan directly confronted Donald Trump in a strongly worded open letter after a US official suggested that Washington had given India “permission” to buy Russian oil.
Screenshots of Haasan’s message are being widely shared with captions suggesting that he publicly rebuked the US government over the remark.
What Triggered The Controversy
The controversy began after comments made by Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, during an interview with Fox Business. Bessent said the United States had allowed India to continue purchasing Russian oil temporarily amid global supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. According to him, Washington had earlier asked India to reduce purchases of sanctioned Russian crude, but later permitted the imports to help stabilize global oil supply. The remarks triggered debate in India, with critics arguing that the wording implied the US had authority over India’s energy decisions.
What Kamal Haasan Actually Said
Following the remarks, Kamal Haasan—who is also the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam and a member of India’s Rajya Sabha—posted a message on X addressing the US President.
In the post, Haasan wrote:
“Dear Mr. President, We, the people of India, belong to a free and sovereign nation. We no longer take orders from distant foreign shores. Please mind your own business to the best of your abilities.”
He added that mutual respect between sovereign nations is essential for global peace and wished prosperity for the American people.
India’s Official Position On Russian Oil
The Government of India has consistently maintained that the country’s energy policy is driven by national interest. Officials have stated that India purchases crude oil from whichever supplier offers the most competitive and reliable supply. The government has also emphasized that India has diversified its crude import sources from 27 countries to around 40, ensuring supply stability even during global disruptions. Authorities have also clarified that India does not require permission from any country to buy oil.
Political Reactions In India
The controversy also sparked reactions from opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi criticized the situation, arguing that India’s foreign policy should reflect the collective will of its people and remain rooted in the country’s independent strategic outlook. The debate highlights ongoing discussions in India about foreign policy autonomy and energy security amid shifting global alliances.
Conclusion
True, but context needed. Kamal Haasan did post a message on X addressing Donald Trump and criticizing the suggestion that the US could “permit” India to buy Russian oil. However, the post was not an official diplomatic letter but a political comment reacting to remarks made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The controversy stems from the interpretation of those remarks rather than any formal US directive controlling India’s oil imports.