Trump Reaffirms India’s Promise to Cut Russian Oil Imports Amid Ongoing Trade Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him India will significantly reduce its imports of Russian crude oil. While Trump frames this as part of a shared goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, India has not publicly confirmed such a commitment. The renewed statement comes as Washington and New Delhi engage in sensitive trade negotiations, with tariffs and energy cooperation at the center of discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that India has agreed to scale back its purchases of Russian crude oil, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him of this decision during a recent phone call. The announcement came during a Diwali celebration at the White House, where Trump praised Modi for his “commitment to peace” and his desire to see the Russia-Ukraine conflict come to an end.

“I spoke to Prime Minister Modi today, as I mentioned before, and we just have a very good relationship,” Trump told reporters. “He’s not going to buy much oil from Russia. They’ve cut it way back and they’re continuing to cut it way back. He wants to see the war end with Russia and Ukraine.”

Modi, in a social media post acknowledging Trump’s call and his Diwali greetings, made no reference to Russian oil or any such discussion. India’s foreign ministry has also declined to confirm the conversation. Officials told the BBC they had “no new comment” regarding Trump’s latest remarks, noting that a similar claim last week had already prompted denials from New Delhi.

India became one of the largest buyers of Russian crude after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Taking advantage of discounted prices, New Delhi maintained that these purchases were crucial to ensure affordable energy for its population of over 1.4 billion. Indian officials have consistently defended the imports, arguing that the United States and several European countries continue their own trade ties with Russia in various sectors.

In recent months, Washington has accused New Delhi of indirectly helping fund Moscow’s war effort by continuing to buy Russian oil, a charge that Indian officials strongly reject. The Trump administration has intensified diplomatic and economic pressure, imposing a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods including an additional 25 percent penalty related to Russian oil purchases.

Despite the tensions, recent developments suggest a thaw in relations. Trump’s tone has softened as U.S. India trade talks progress, with both sides reportedly exploring deeper energy cooperation. Indian officials say discussions are ongoing, and U.S. negotiators have shown a willingness to work toward a broader deal that could include mutual concessions.

According to a report in Mint, an agreement may be announced in the coming months, with India possibly agreeing to gradually reduce its imports of Russian oil. Three unnamed sources familiar with the matter told the publication that the deal could help ease trade frictions and strengthen strategic ties between the two democracies.

While Washington continues to link India’s energy policy with its geopolitical stance on the Ukraine conflict, New Delhi has maintained that its decisions are guided by national interests and energy security. As both nations seek to balance economic priorities with diplomatic pressures, the outcome of these talks could redefine the next phase of U.S.-India relations.