Washington, Oct 16: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will stop buying oil from Russia, calling it a “big step” toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said the United States was “not happy” with India’s continued purchase of Russian crude, asserting that such trade indirectly supports President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts.
“He (Modi) is a friend of mine, we have a great relationship… we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that let Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they’ve lost a million and a half people,” Trump said.
“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’ve got to get China to do the same thing,” he added.
India is currently the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, after China, according to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Praising Modi as a “great man” and a “strong leader,” Trump said he admired India’s political stability under Modi’s leadership.
“I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country… my friend has been there now for a long time, and he’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia,” he said.
Trump further claimed that the process of phasing out Russian crude imports was “already underway,” adding that India may resume energy trade with Moscow after the Ukraine conflict ends.
“He can’t do it immediately it’s a process but it’s going to be over soon,” Trump said.
“If India doesn’t buy oil, it makes it much easier… they’ll go back to Russia after the war is over.”
Following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, India the world’s third largest oil importer sharply increased its imports of discounted Russian crude, rising from less than 1% to nearly 40% of total imports.
New Delhi has consistently defended its energy trade with Moscow, maintaining that its decisions are guided by national energy security and affordability, and that its stance on the conflict remains “independent and balanced.”