Trump Says Modi Agreed to Stop Buying Russian Oil

Washington DC: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop buying oil from Russia, as Washington seeks to tighten economic pressure on the Kremlin over its war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Modi had “assured” him that India would end Russian oil purchases “within a short period of time,” calling it “a big stop.”

The Indian embassy in Washington declined to comment on the claim. India has so far resisted U.S. pressure to cut energy ties with Moscow, saying its imports are guided by national interest and affordability.

Trump said the process “will take a little time but will be over soon.” His administration has also imposed 50% tariffs on goods from India, including a 25% penalty on transactions linked to Russia, which he described as punishment for Delhi’s continued oil and arms trade with Moscow.

Russia remains one of the world’s largest exporters of oil and gas, with India, China, and Turkey among its biggest buyers. India has purchased discounted Russian crude to help support its fast-growing economy, the fifth largest globally.

The dispute over Russian oil has strained ties between Washington and New Delhi, though Trump on Wednesday praised Modi as a “great man.”
Modi recently said both leaders had “reviewed good progress in trade negotiations,” suggesting efforts to ease tensions may still be underway.