Trump Says India Has ‘Largely Stopped’ Buying Russian Oil, May Visit in 2026

Washington D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has said that India has “largely stopped buying oil from Russia” and hinted that he may visit the country next year if invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said trade negotiations between Washington D.C. and New Delhi were progressing well. “He’s a friend of mine… He stopped buying oil from Russia largely. He wants me to go there. We’ll figure that out,” Trump told journalists.

The statement comes amid renewed efforts by both countries to resolve trade disagreements and tariff issues that have affected bilateral relations in recent months. Experts say the two nations are working to finalise a trade framework that could be announced before the end of the year.

India currently faces tariffs of up to 50 percent on several categories of exports to the United States. Analysts believe these duties could be reduced to about 20 percent if negotiations conclude successfully.

However, energy experts remain cautious about Trump’s assertion that India has “largely stopped” buying Russian crude. According to market observers, India still imports discounted Russian oil to maintain stable prices and meet domestic energy demands.

“Completely phasing out Russian oil isn’t realistic for India,” said Prateek Pandey, head of APAC oil and gas research at Rystad Energy. “But New Delhi will continue to balance its economic needs with geopolitical realities.”

Trump’s remarks also revive speculation about a possible visit to India in 2026. His previous trip to India in 2020 drew massive crowds and marked a high point in U.S.–India ties. A return visit, if confirmed, would highlight Washington’s ongoing attempt to strengthen trade, defence, and energy partnerships with New Delhi.

Officials from India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry did not immediately respond to queries regarding any official reduction in Russian oil imports.

As the U.S. prepares to impose new sanctions on Russian energy companies later this month, analysts say India’s approach of “economics first” will continue to test how far it can align with Western policy while safeguarding national interests.