Former US President Donald Trump said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia. Trump made the remarks during a White House event, calling the move a “big step” in his efforts to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine.
India and China are currently the largest buyers of Russian seaborne crude, taking advantage of discounted prices after Western sanctions on Moscow. Trump recently imposed tariffs on Indian exports to the US, aiming to discourage India’s crude imports from Russia.
“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump told reporters. “Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”
The Indian embassy in Washington has not yet commented on Trump’s statement. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects Japan to stop importing Russian energy as well, following discussions with Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato.
Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier, sending about 1.62 million barrels per day in September — roughly one-third of India’s total imports. Indian officials have long defended the purchases as essential for energy security, citing affordability concerns.
Analysts say that if India stops importing Russian oil, it could significantly affect global energy flows and reshape the oil market.
Trump has pledged to use bilateral relations to increase pressure on Russia, favoring direct economic measures over broad international sanctions.
He acknowledged that India’s transition away from Russian oil would take time but insisted the process would “be over soon.”
Trump’s latest remarks come amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and New Delhi, following his nomination of Sergio Gor as the new US ambassador to India. Gor’s appointment is seen as an effort to strengthen defense, trade, and technology cooperation between the two nations.
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