Washington, October 23:
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that India has agreed to stop importing oil from Russia by the end of this year after what he described as an “absolutely great” conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said the move underscores India’s commitment to global stability and its strategic partnership with the United States.
“I spoke with Prime Minister Modi yesterday — they’ve been absolutely great. India has told me they are going to stop buying oil from Russia by the end of the year,” Trump said during a White House briefing.
MEA yet to confirm Trump’s claim
Trump’s statement comes just days after he made a similar remark, which India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had downplayed, clarifying that no such assurance had been conveyed officially. The latest comment, however, has renewed diplomatic interest around India-Russia energy trade amid Western sanctions on Moscow.
Trump cites tariffs in India-Pakistan peace reference
Revisiting past remarks, Trump also claimed credit for helping defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, saying that tariffs played a decisive role.
“If India and Pakistan want to fight, that’s okay, but they’re going to pay tariffs. Two days later, they called up and said they would not fight anymore. Tariffs are vital,” he said.
U.S. sanctions target Russia’s energy sector
In a related move, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sweeping sanctions against Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil, as part of Washington’s escalating effort to curb Moscow’s energy revenues and pressure the Kremlin over its war in Ukraine.
“Today’s actions increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and degrade the Kremlin’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine. A permanent peace depends on Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith,” the Treasury statement said.
Context
India remains one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil, even as Western nations push for tighter enforcement of the G7 price cap. The latest statement from President Trump adds a new dimension to India’s energy diplomacy and its balancing act between Washington and Moscow.
